Skid plate, secondary skid plate, and track drive protector for a recreational vehicle

ABSTRACT

A recreational vehicle may include a track drive protector attached to a bottom-out protector. The track drive protector is configured to mate with the bottom-out protector. A recreational vehicle may further or alternatively include a secondary skid plate attached to the skid plate. The secondary skid plate is configured to mate with the skid plate and/or the forward frame assembly. The track drive protector and the secondary skid plate may provide additional support to the vehicle, help deflect debris away from the underside of the vehicle, and/or absorb impact forces when the vehicle strikes an object.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to commonly-owned US Provisional ApplicationNo. 63/310,264, filed on Feb. 15, 2022 and entitled “AccessoryAttachment System”, US Provisional Application No. 63/310,254, filed onFeb. 15, 2022 and entitled “Recreational Vehicle Spindle”, USProvisional Application No. 63/310,276, filed on Feb. 15, 2022 andentitled “Spindle for Recreational Vehicle”, US Provisional ApplicationNo. 63/310,232, filed on Feb. 15, 2022 and entitled “HeadlightAssembly”, US Provisional Application No. 63/310,951, filed on Feb. 16,2022 and entitled “Clutch Guard with Integrated Torque Control Link”, USProvisional Application No. 63/310,983, filed on Feb. 16, 2022 andentitled “Composite Running Board”, US Provisional Application No.63/310,994, filed on Feb. 16, 2022 and entitled “Two-Stroke Engine”, USProvisional Application No. 63/342,447, filed on May 16, 2022 andentitled “Off-Road Vehicle”, US Provisional Application No. 63/344,165,filed on May 20, 2022 and entitled “Snowmobile Frame”, US ProvisionalApplication No. 63/350,553, filed on Jun. 9, 2022 and entitled“Snowmobile with Seat and Gas Tank Assembly”, US Provisional ApplicationNo. 63/400,056, filed on Aug. 23, 2022 and entitled “Taillight Housing,Snow Flap and Assembly Thereof”, US Provisional Application No.63/402,768, filed on Aug. 31, 2022 and entitled “Snow Vehicle HeatExchanger Shield”, US Provisional Application No. 63/404,171, filed onSep. 6, 2022 and entitled “Bumper Mount for a Snowmobile”, USProvisional Application No. 63/404,167, filed on Sep. 6, 2022 andentitled “Intake, Airbox, and Storage Assembly for Snowmobile”, USProvisional Application No. 63/404,856, filed on Sep. 8, 2022 andentitled “Recreational Vehicle Spindle”, US Provisional Application No.63/404,841, filed on Sep. 8, 2022 and entitled “Spindle for aRecreational Vehicle”, US Provisional Application No. 63/404,655, filedon Sep. 8, 2022 and entitled “Snowmobile with Seat Assembly”, USProvisional Application No. 63/404,682, filed on Sep. 8, 2022 andentitled “Snowmobile with Seat Assembly”, US Provisional Application No.63/404,822, filed on Sep. 8, 2022 and entitled “Recoil Housing, EngineAssembly, and Method of Assembling Engine Assembly”, US ProvisionalApplication No. 63/404,617, filed on Sep. 8, 2022 and entitled“Recreational Vehicle Running Board”, US Provisional Application No.63/404,731, filed on Sep. 8, 2022 and entitled “Muffler Assembly, SnowVehicle Including a Muffler Assembly, Snow Vehicle Including ElectronicPower Steering, and Methods of Assembling Thereof”, US ProvisionalApplication No. 63/405,121, filed on Sep. 9, 2022 and entitled“Snowmobile Drive Shaft”, US Provisional Application No. 63/405,033,filed on Sep. 9, 2022 and entitled “Recreational Vehicle Toe Stop, ToeStop Assemblies, and Methods of Assembling a Recreational Vehicle”, USProvisional Application No. 63/405,016, filed on Sep. 9, 2022 andentitled “Skid Plate, Secondary Skid Plate, and Track Drive Protectorfor a Recreational Vehicle”, US Provisional Application No. 63/405,176,filed on Sep. 9, 2022 and entitled “Recreational Vehicle Heat ExchangerEnd Caps and Assembly”, US Provisional Application No. 63/404,992, filedon Sep. 9, 2022 and entitled “Recreational Vehicle Bottom-Out Protectorand Assemblies Thereof”, and US Provisional Application No. 63/434,382filed on Dec. 21, 2022 and entitled “Skid Plate, Secondary Skid Plate,and Track Drive Protector for a Recreational Vehicle”, and whichapplications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

A claim of priority is made to commonly-owned US Provisional ApplicationNo. 63/310,264, filed on Feb. 15, 2022 and entitled “AccessoryAttachment System”, US Provisional Application No. 63/310,254, filed onFeb. 15, 2022 and entitled “Recreational Vehicle Spindle”, USProvisional Application No. 63/310,951, filed on Feb. 16, 2022 andentitled “Clutch Guard with Integrated Torque Control Link”, USProvisional Application No. 63/310,983, filed on Feb. 16, 2022 andentitled “Composite Running Board”, US Provisional Application No.63/344,165, filed on May 20, 2022 and entitled “Snowmobile Frame”, USProvisional Application No. 63/400,056, filed on Aug. 23, 2022 andentitled “Taillight Housing, Snow Flap and Assembly Thereof”, USProvisional Application No. 63/402,768, filed on Aug. 31, 2022 andentitled “Snow Vehicle Heat Exchanger Shield”, US ProvisionalApplication No. 63/404,171, filed on Sep. 6, 2022 and entitled “BumperMount for a Snowmobile”, US Provisional Application No. 63/404,856,filed on Sep. 8, 2022 and entitled “Recreational Vehicle Spindle”, USProvisional Application No. 63/404,822, filed on Sep. 8, 2022 andentitled “Recoil Housing, Engine Assembly, and Method of AssemblingEngine Assembly”, US Provisional Application No. 63/404,617, filed onSep. 8, 2022 and entitled “Recreational Vehicle Running Board”, USProvisional Application No. 63/404,731, filed on Sep. 8, 2022 andentitled “Muffler Assembly, Snow Vehicle Including a Muffler Assembly,Snow Vehicle Including Electronic Power Steering, and Methods ofAssembling Thereof”, US Provisional Application No. 63/405,121, filed onSep. 9, 2022 and entitled “Snowmobile Drive Shaft”, US ProvisionalApplication No. 63/405,033, filed on Sep. 9, 2022 and entitled“Recreational Vehicle Toe Stop, Toe Stop Assemblies, and Methods ofAssembling a Recreational Vehicle”, US Provisional Application No.63/405,016, filed on Sep. 9, 2022 and entitled “Skid Plate, SecondarySkid Plate, and Track Drive Protector for a Recreational Vehicle”, USProvisional Application No. 63/405,176, filed on Sep. 9, 2022 andentitled “Recreational Vehicle Heat Exchanger End Caps and Assembly”, USProvisional Application No. 63/404,992, filed on Sep. 9, 2022 andentitled “Recreational Vehicle Bottom-Out Protector and AssembliesThereof”, and US Provisional Application No. 63/434,382 filed on Dec.21, 2022 and entitled “Skid Plate, Secondary Skid Plate, and Track DriveProtector for a Recreational Vehicle”, and which applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Snow vehicles, such as snowmobiles, are popular land vehicles used astransportation vehicles or as recreational vehicles in cold and snowyconditions. Generally, snowmobiles are available for variousapplications such as deep snow, high performance, luxury touring, andtrail riding, for example. In general, a snowmobile has a chassis on oraround which the various components of the snowmobile are assembled.Typical snowmobiles include one or more skis for steering, a seat,handlebars, and an endless track for propulsion mounted to a centralchassis. The engine drives a ground-engaging endless track disposed in alongitudinally extending drive tunnel. One or more skis serve tofacilitate steering as well as to provide flotation of the front of thesnowmobile over the snow in which it is operated. A handlebar assembly,positioned forward of the seat, is operatively linked to the skis forsteering the snowmobile. The skis may be pivoted to steer thesnowmobile, for example, by turning the handlebars. The snowmobile alsoincludes a footrest for the rider while riding.

SUMMARY

A recreational vehicle may include a track drive protector attached to abottom-out protector. The track drive protector is configured to matewith the bottom-out protector. A recreational vehicle may further oralternatively include a secondary skid plate attached to the skid plate.The secondary skid plate is configured to mate with the skid plateand/or the forward frame assembly. The track drive protector and thesecondary skid plate may provide additional support to the vehicle, helpdeflect debris away from the underside of the vehicle, and/or absorbimpact forces.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a snowmobileincluding a forward frame assembly and a nose panel attached to theforward frame assembly. The snowmobile includes a skid plate attached toa first side of the forward frame assembly and a second side of theforward frame assembly, and a secondary skid plate configured to coverat least a portion of the skid plate. In some embodiments, the secondaryskid plate includes a nose section configured to cover the nose panel.The skid plate may further include a body section extending rearwardfrom the nose section, the body section configured to cover the forwardframe assembly. A first wing may be positioned outboard of the bodysection, the first wing configured to cover the skid plate at the firstside of the forward frame assembly, and a second wing may be positionedoutboard of the body section, the second wing configured to cover theskid plate at the second side of the forward frame assembly.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a skid plateassembly including a skid plate. The skid plate includes a body sectionconfigured to secure to an underbody of a snowmobile, a first wingpositioned outboard of the body section, and a second wing positionedoutboard of the body section. The skid plate may further comprise afirst rib projection. The skid plate assembly may include a track driveprotector including a second rib projection. The first rib projectionand the second rib projection may define a continuous rib extendingbetween the skid plate and the track drive protector.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method ofassembling two different snowmobile models with a common skid plate. Themethod includes providing the common skid plate, the common skid plateincluding a first set out mounting features configured to secure a firstpair of bottom out protectors and a second set of mounting featuresconfigured to secure a second pair of bottom out protectors. The methodfurther includes securing the first pair of bottom out protectors or thesecond pair of bottom out protectors to the common skid plate. In someembodiments, the method may further comprise providing a secondary skidplate including a body section configured to cover a forward frameassembly. The secondary skid plate may be configured to cover the commonskid plate. The method may further include securing the secondary skidplate over the common skid plate. The body section may include aplurality of mounting features configured to removably secure to theforward frame assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This written disclosure describes illustrative embodiments that arenon-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is made to illustrativeembodiments that are depicted in the figures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a first snowmobile, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective of the snowmobile of FIG. 1 , accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the snowmobile of FIG. 1 , according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the snowmobile of FIG. 1 , accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a right side view of the snowmobile of FIG. 1 withportions of the engine cover removed, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a right side perspective view of the snowmobile ofFIG. 1 with portions of the engine cover removed, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the snowmobile of FIG. 1 with portionsof the engine cover removed, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a right side view of a second snowmobile withportions of the engine cover removed, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a right side perspective view of the snowmobile ofFIG. 8 with portions of the engine cover removed, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the snowmobile of FIG. 10 withportions of the engine cover removed, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective top view of the snowmobile chassishaving a running board assembly connected thereto, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded top view of the running board assemblyof FIG. 11 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded bottom view of the running boardassembly of FIG. 11 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative perspective top view of thesnowmobile chassis having the running board assembly attached to thetunnel, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15A illustrates an isolated top view of the running board assembly,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15B illustrates an isolated side view of the running boardassembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15C illustrates an isolated bottom view of the running boardassembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 16 illustrate a cross section view of the running board assemblyfrom line 16-16 in FIG. 15B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 17A illustrates an exploded side view of the running boardassembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 17B illustrates an isometric side view of the rear kick upassembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates a close up bottom view of the running boardassembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 19 illustrates a bottom view of a foot support member of therunning board assembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 20 illustrates a view of the forward end the foot support member ofthe running board assembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 21A illustrates a top view of the foot support member and a rearkick-up panel of the running board assembly, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 21B illustrates a bottom view of the foot support member and therear kick-up panel of the running board assembly, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 22 illustrates a close-up bottom perspective view of a front end ofthe foot support member and support member of the running boardassembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 23A illustrates a close-up bottom view of the foot support memberand support member of the running board assembly, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 23B illustrates a close-up top view of the foot support member andsupport member of the running board assembly, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 24 illustrates another close-up bottom perspective view of thefront end of the foot support member and support member of the runningboard assembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 25A illustrates a close-up bottom view of the foot support memberof the running board assembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 25B illustrates a close-up top view of the foot support member ofthe running board assembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 26 illustrates an inboard view of a front toe stop of the runningboard assembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 27A illustrates a top perspective view of the front toe stop, thefoot support member, and the support member of the running boardassembly, with the tunnel and a portion of the forward frame assemblynot shown for illustrative purposes, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 27B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the front toe stop,the foot support member, and the support member of the running boardassembly, with the tunnel and a portion of the forward frame assemblynot shown for illustrative purposes, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 28 illustrates a front perspective view of the front toe stop, thefoot support member, the support member of the running board assembly,and bottom-out protector, with a belt housing assembly in a firstposition associated with the first snowmobile of FIG. 1 , according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 29 illustrates an alternative front perspective view of the fronttoe stop, the foot support member, the support member of the runningboard assembly, and bottom-out protector, with the belt housing assemblyin a second position associated with the second snowmobile of FIG. 8 ,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 30 illustrates a side view of the assembly of FIG. 29 , accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 31 illustrates a top view of the assembly of FIG. 29 , according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 32 illustrates a rear view of the rear kick-up panel of the runningboard assembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 33 illustrates a bottom view of the rear kick-up panel of therunning board assembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 34A illustrates a bottom view of the foot support member and therear kick-up panel of the running board assembly in a first positionassociated with the first snowmobile of FIG. 1 , according to someembodiments.

FIG. 34B illustrates a top view of the foot support member and the rearkick-up panel of the running board assembly of FIG. 34A, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 35A illustrates a bottom view of the foot support member, thesupport member, and the rear kick-up panel of the running board assemblyin a first position associated with the first snowmobile of FIG. 1 ,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 35B illustrates a top view of the assembly of FIG. 35A, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 35C illustrates a bottom view of a foot support member in a secondposition associated with the second snowmobile of FIG. 8 , according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 36 illustrates a side view of the foot support member, the supportmember, and the rear kick-up panel of the running board assembly,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 37A illustrates a top view of a support bracket for the runningboard assembly associated with the first snowmobile of FIG. 1 ,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 37B illustrates a side view of the support bracket of FIG. 37A,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 37C illustrates a top view of a support bracket for the runningboard assembly associated with the second snowmobile of FIG. 8 ,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 37D illustrates a side view of the support bracket of FIG. 37C,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 38 illustrates an end view of the support bracket of FIG. 37A,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart for a method of assembling a snowmobile,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 40A illustrates a perspective view of a snowmobile including aforward frame assembly, a heat exchanger assembly, and a tunnel,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 40B illustrates an exploded view of the snowmobile of FIG. 40A,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 40C illustrates a side view of the tunnel of FIG. 40A with thesupport bracket and support tube removed for viewing purposes, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 41A illustrates an engine being inserted into a forward frameassembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 41B illustrates right rear perspective view of a snowmobile forwardframe assembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 41C illustrates left front perspective view of the snowmobileforward frame assembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 42A illustrates a right side view of the forward frame assemblywith a belt housing assembly in a first position associated with thefirst snowmobile of FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 42B illustrates a left side view of the forward frame assembly ofFIG. 42A with a track drive shaft in a first position associated withthe first snowmobile of FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 42C illustrates a right side view of the forward frame assemblywith the belt housing assembly in a second position associated with thesecond snowmobile of FIG. 8 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 42D illustrates a left side view of the forward frame assembly ofFIG. 42C with a track drive shaft in a second position associated withthe second snowmobile of FIG. 8 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 43 illustrates a schematic rear view of the tunnel, the supportbracket, and the foot support member, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 44 illustrates a bottom view of the foot support member, thesupport member, and the rear kick-up panel of the running board assemblyinstalled on the snowmobile in a first position associated with thefirst snowmobile of FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 45 illustrates a close-up bottom view of the foot support memberand the support member of FIG. 44 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 46 illustrates a side view of a forward frame assembly with asteering column and suspension components associated with the secondsnowmobile of FIG. 8 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 47 illustrates a side view of the forward frame assembly with asteering column and suspension components associated with the firstsnowmobile of FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 48 illustrates a front view of the assembly of FIG. 46 , accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 49 illustrates a front view of the assembly of FIG. 47 , accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 50A illustrates a side view of the steering column assembly of FIG.46 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 50B illustrates a front view of the steering column assembly ofFIG. 50A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 51A illustrates a side view of the steering column assembly of FIG.47 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 51B illustrates a front view of the steering column assembly ofFIG. 51A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 52A illustrates a side view of the steering column assembly of FIG.50A superimposed with the steering column assembly of FIG. 51A,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 52B illustrates a front view of the steering column assembly ofFIG. 50B superimposed with the steering column assembly of FIG. 51B,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 53 illustrates a top-down view of the forward frame assembly,suspension, and engine components associated with the second snowmobileof FIG. 8 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 54 illustrates a top-down view of the forward frame assembly,suspension, and engine components associated with the first snowmobileof FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 55 illustrates a top-down view of a forward frame assembly withsteering column bracket, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 56A illustrates a top perspective view of a steering columnbracket, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 56B illustrates a side perspective view of the steering columnbracket of FIG. 56A, according to some embodiment.

FIG. 56C illustrates a rear perspective view of the steering columnbracket of FIG. 56A, according to some embodiment

FIG. 57 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an assembly comprisinga toe stop, bottom-out protector, running board components, and a bodypanel, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 58 illustrates a perspective view of a forward frame assembly withthe support member associated with the first snowmobile of FIG. 1superimposed with the support member associated with the secondsnowmobile of FIG. 8 to illustrate the common connection with theforward frame assembly for each support member.

FIG. 59 illustrates an isometric view of a seat assembly including afuel tank, a rear panel, and seat frame, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 60 illustrates an isometric view of the seat assembly of FIG. 59with the seat frame removed, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 61 illustrates a rear view of the rear panel of the seat assemblyof FIG. 59 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 62 illustrates a bottom isometric view of the rear panel and thefuel tank of the seat assembly of FIG. 59 , according to someembodiments.

FIG. 63 illustrates a top view of the fuel tank of the seat assembly ofFIG. 59 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 64 illustrates a bottom view of the fuel tank and the rear panel ofthe seat assembly of FIG. 59 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 65 illustrates a right side cross-sectional view of the fuel tank,the tunnel, the heat exchanger assembly, and the forward frame assembly,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 66 illustrates a perspective top view of the fuel tank, toe stop,and running board components configured for the first snowmobile of FIG.1 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 67 illustrates an isometric view of the seat assembly, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 68 illustrates an isometric view of the fuel tank of the seatassembly secured to the tunnel, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 69A illustrates an isometric view of a structural compositetaillight housing, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 69B illustrates an isometric view of the structural compositetaillight housing of FIG. 69A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 70A illustrates a left side view of a snowmobile with a snow flapsecured to the structural composite taillight housing of FIG. 69A,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 70B illustrates an isometric view of a structural compositetaillight housing of FIG. 69A with a mounting point, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 71 illustrates an exploded view of a toe stop and bottom-outprotector assembly according to some embodiments.

FIG. 72 illustrates a rear perspective view of a toe stop and bottom-outprotector assembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 73 illustrates a rear perspective view of a toe stop that may bepart of the running board assembly 120A of FIG. 7 , according to someembodiments.

FIG. 74 illustrates a perspective view of a toe stop that may be part ofthe running board assembly 120A of FIG. 7 , according to someembodiments.

FIG. 75 illustrates a side perspective view of a toe stop and a bottomout protector that may be part of the running board assembly 120B ofFIG. 10 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 76 illustrates a cross-sectional overhead view of a toe stop andbody panel configured for the first snowmobile of FIG. 1 , with the belthousing assembly removed, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 77A illustrates an isometric view of a right toe stop that may bepart of the running board assembly 120A of FIG. 7 , according to someembodiments.

FIG. 77B illustrates an isometric view of a right toe stop that may bepart of the running board assembly 120A of FIG. 7 , according to someembodiments.

FIG. 78A illustrates an isometric view of the rearward facing side ofthe toe stop of FIGS. 77A and 77B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 78B illustrates an isometric view the forward facing side of thetoe stop of FIGS. 77A and 77B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 79A illustrates an isometric view from above the toe stop of FIGS.77A and 77B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 79B illustrates an isometric view from below the toe stop of FIGS.77A and 77B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 80A illustrates an isometric view of an inboard side of the toestop of FIGS. 77A and 77B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 80B illustrates an isometric view of the inboard side of the toestop of FIGS. 77A and 77B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 81A illustrates an isometric view of an outboard side of a left toestop that may be part of the running board assembly 120A of FIG. 7 ,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 81B illustrates an isometric view of an inboard side of a left toestop that may be part of the running board assembly 120A of FIG. 7 ,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 82A illustrates an isometric view of the outboard side of the leftside toe stop of FIGS. 81A and 81B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 82B illustrates an isometric view of the inboard side of the leftside toe stop of FIGS. 81A and 81B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 83A illustrates an isometric view of the rearward facing side ofthe left side toe stop of FIGS. 81A and 81B, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 83B illustrates an isometric view of the forward facing side of theleft side toe stop of FIGS. 81A and 81B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 84A illustrates an isometric view from above the left side toe stopof FIGS. 81A and 81B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 84B illustrates an isometric view from below the left side toe stopof FIGS. 81A and 81B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 85A illustrates a view of the right side toe stop of FIGS. 77A and77B installed as part of the running board assembly 120A, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 85B illustrates a view of the left side toe stop of FIGS. 81A and81B installed as part of the running board assembly 120A, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 86A illustrates a view of the forward facing surface of the rightside toe stop of FIGS. 77A and 77B installed as part of the runningboard assembly 120A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 86B illustrates a bottom view of the right side toe stop of FIGS.77A and 77B installed as part of the running board assembly 120A, withthe bottom-out protector installed, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 87A illustrates a bottom view of the left side toe stop of FIGS.81A and 81B installed as part of the running board assembly 120A, withthe bottom-out protector installed, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 87B illustrates a bottom view of the left side toe stop of FIGS.81A and 81B installed as part of the running board assembly 120A,without the bottom-out protector, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 88A illustrates an isometric view of the left side toe stop ofFIGS. 81A and 81B installed as part of the running board assembly 120A,without the bottom-out protector, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 88B illustrates left side view of the left side toe stop of FIGS.81A and 81B installed as part of the running board assembly 120A,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 89 illustrates the forward facing surface of the left side toe stopof FIGS. 81A and 81B installed as part of the running board assembly120A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 90A illustrates a left side view of a right toe stop that may bepart of the running board assembly 120B of FIG. 10 , according to someembodiments.

FIG. 90B illustrates a perspective view of an inboard side of the righttoe stop of FIG. 90A that may be part of the running board assembly 120Bof FIG. 10 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 91A illustrates a perspective view of the outboard side of theright side toe stop of FIGS. 90A and 90B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 91B illustrates a perspective view of the inboard side of the righttoe stop of FIGS. 90A and 90B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 92A illustrates a rear view of the rearward facing side of the toestop of FIGS. 90A and 90B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 92B illustrates a front view of the forward facing side of the toestop of FIGS. 90A and 90B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 93A illustrates a top view of the toe stop of FIGS. 90A and 90B,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 93B illustrates a bottom view of the toe stop of FIGS. 90A and 90B,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 94A illustrates a perspective view of an outboard side of a leftside toe stop that may be part of the running board assembly 120B ofFIG. 10 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 94B illustrates a perspective view of an inboard side of the lefttoe stop of FIG. 94A that may be part of the running board assembly 120Bof FIG. 10 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 95A illustrates an isometric view of the outboard side of the leftside toe stop of FIGS. 94A and 94B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 95B illustrates an isometric view of the inboard side of the leftside toe stop of FIGS. 94A and 94B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 96A illustrates a rear view of the rearward facing side of the toestop of FIGS. 94A and 94B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 96B illustrates a front view of the forward facing side of the toestop of FIGS. 94A and 94B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 97A illustrates a top view of the toe stop of FIGS. 94A and 94B,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 97B illustrates a bottom view of the toe stop of FIGS. 94A and 94B,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 98A illustrates an isometric view of the right side toe stop ofFIGS. 90A and 90B installed as part of the running board assembly 120B,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 98B illustrates an isometric view of the left side toe stop ofFIGS. 94A and 94B installed as part of the running board assembly 120B,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 99A illustrates a front view of the forward facing surface of theright side toe stop of FIGS. 90A and 90B installed as part of therunning board assembly 120B, without the bottom-out protector, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 99B illustrates a bottom view of the right side toe stop of FIGS.90A and 90B installed as part of the running board assembly 120B,without the bottom-out protector, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 100A illustrates a front view of the left side toe stop of FIGS.94A and 94B installed as part of the running board assembly 120B, withthe bottom-out protector, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 100B illustrates an isometric view of the left side toe stop ofFIGS. 94A and 94B installed as part of the running board assembly 120B,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 101 illustrates a bottom isometric view of the left side toe stopof FIGS. 94A and 94B installed as part of the running board assembly120B, without the bottom-out protector, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 102 illustrates a belt side bottom-out protector that may beinstalled as part of the second snowmobile of FIG. 8 with the runningboard assembly 120B, with the toe stop shown in FIG. 90A, and with thetrack drive shaft position of FIGS. 42C-D, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 103A illustrates a bottom view of the bottom-out protector of FIG.102 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 103B illustrates a top view of the bottom-out protector of FIG. 102, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 104A illustrates an outboard side view of the bottom-out protectorof FIG. 102 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 104B illustrates an inboard side view of the bottom-out protectorof FIG. 102 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 105A illustrates a rear view of the bottom-out protector of FIG.102 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 105B illustrates a front view of the bottom-out protector of FIG.102 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 106A illustrates a brake side bottom-out protector that may beinstalled as part of the second snowmobile of FIG. 8 with the runningboard assembly 120B, with the toe stop shown in FIG. 94A, and with thetrack drive shaft position of FIGS. 42C-D, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 106B illustrates a bottom view of the bottom-out protector of FIG.106A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 107A illustrates an outboard side view of the bottom-out protectorof FIG. 106A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 107B illustrates a perspective view of the bottom-out protector ofFIG. 106A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 108A illustrates a side view of the outboard side of the bottom-outprotector of FIG. 106A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 108B illustrates a side view of the inboard side of the bottom-outprotector of FIG. 106A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 109A illustrates a rear view of the bottom-out protector of FIG.106A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 109B illustrates a front view of the bottom-out protector of FIG.106A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 110 illustrates a side view of an assembly that includes a footsupport member, a toe stop as shown in FIG. 90A, and a belt sidebottom-out protector as shown in FIG. 102 , according to someembodiments.

FIG. 111 illustrates a bottom view of the assembly of FIG. 110 ,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 112 illustrates a front view of the assembly of FIG. 110 with theheat exchanger end cap received in the bottom-out protector, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 113 illustrates an inboard side view of the assembly of FIG. 110 ,with a portion of the bottom-out protector extending along an inboardside of the heat exchange end cap, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 114 illustrates an inboard side view of the assembly of FIG. 110with the track drive shaft removed, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 115A illustrates a lower side view of bottom-out protectors ofFIGS. 102 and 106A, with the track drive shaft, the belt housingassembly, and the running board assembly each in a second positionassociated with the second snowmobile of FIG. 8 , according to someembodiments.

FIG. 115B illustrates bottom view of the bottom-out protectors of FIG.115A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 116A illustrates an isometric view of a belt side bottom-outprotector that may be installed as part of the first snowmobile of FIG.1 with the running board assembly 120A, with the toe stop shown in FIG.77A, and with the track drive shaft position of FIGS. 42A-B, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 116B illustrates an outboard side view of the belt side bottom-outprotector of FIG. 116A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 117A illustrates a side view of the outboard side of the bottom-outprotector of FIG. 116A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 117B illustrates a left side view of the inboard side of thebottom-out protector of FIG. 116A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 118 illustrates a bottom view of the bottom-out protector of FIG.116A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 119A illustrates a front view of the bottom-out protector of FIG.116A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 119B illustrates a rear view of the bottom-out protector of FIG.116A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 120 illustrates an isometric view of a brake side bottom-outprotector that may be installed as part of the first snowmobile of FIG.1 with the running board assembly of FIG. 120A, with the toe stop shownin FIG. 81A, and with the track drive shaft position of FIGS. 42A-B,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 121A illustrates an inboard side view of the bottom-out protectorof FIG. 120 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 121B illustrates an outboard side view of the bottom-out protectorof FIG. 120 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 122A illustrates a top view of the bottom-out protector of FIG. 120, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 122B illustrates a bottom view of the bottom-out protector of FIG.120 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 123A illustrates a rear view of the bottom-out protector of FIG.120 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 123B illustrates a front view of the bottom-out protector of FIG.120 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 124 illustrates a bottom isometric view of the belt side bottom-outprotector of FIG. 116A secured to a heat exchanger end cap and theforward frame assembly, wherein the bottom-out protector is positionedto be secured to a foot support member, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 125 illustrates a bottom view of the brake side bottom outprotector of FIG. 120 secured to the heat exchanger end cap, the forwardframe assembly, the foot support member, and the skid plate, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 126 illustrates a perspective view of the toe stop of FIG. 77A andthe bottom out protector of FIG. 116A housing a portion of the belt caseassembly that is in the first position on the first snowmobile of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 127 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the bottom-outprotectors of FIGS. 116A and 120 , the toe stops of FIGS. 77A and 81A,and the running board assembly of FIG. 120A on the first snowmobile ofFIG. 1 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 128 illustrates an exploded bottom view of attachment of thebottom-out protector of FIG. 106A and an accessory skid plate assemblyaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 129A illustrates a view of the bottom-out protectors of FIGS. 102and 106A, a heat exchanger end cap, and the track drive protector ofFIG. 137B according to some embodiments.

FIG. 129B illustrates a view of bottom out protectors of FIGS. 102 and106A secured to the underside of a snowmobile, with an accessory skidplate assembly including the bottom out protectors of FIGS. 136A and136B positioned over the bottom out protectors, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 130A illustrates a front perspective view of the snowmobile ofFIGS. 8-10 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 130B illustrates a front perspective view of the snowmobile ofFIGS. 1-7 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 131A illustrates a left side perspective view of the snowmobile ofFIG. 130A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 131B illustrates a left side perspective view of the snowmobile ofFIG. 130B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 132 illustrates an enlarged side perspective view of body panels,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 133A illustrates a bottom perspective view of the running boardassembly 120B, bottom-out protectors of FIGS. 102 and 106A, heatexchanger assembly components, front frame assembly components, and bodypanels of the snowmobile of FIG. 130A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 133B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the running boardassembly 120A, the bottom-out protectors of FIGS. 116A and 120 , heatexchanger assembly components, front frame assembly components, and bodypanels of the snowmobile of FIG. 130B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 134 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a front frame assemblyand a heat exchanger assembly of the snowmobile of FIG. 130A, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 135 illustrates a flowchart for a method of assembling a snowmobileaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 136A illustrates a top perspective view of a track drive protectorof the snowmobile of FIG. 130A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 136B illustrates a top perspective view of a track drive protectorof the snowmobile of FIG. 130A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 137A illustrates a bottom perspective view of a track driveprotector of FIGS. 136A-B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 137B illustrates a bottom perspective view of a track driveprotector of FIGS. 136A-B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 138A illustrates an outboard side perspective view of a track driveprotector of FIGS. 136A-B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 138B illustrates an inboard side perspective view of a track driveprotector of FIGS. 136A-B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 139A illustrates a top perspective view of a of track driveprotector for the snowmobile of FIG. 130B, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 139B illustrates a top perspective view of a track drive protectorfor the snowmobile of FIG. 130B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 140A illustrates a bottom perspective view of the track driveprotector of FIGS. 139A-B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 140B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the track driveprotector of FIGS. 139A-B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 141A illustrates an outboard side perspective view of the trackdrive protector of FIGS. 139A-B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 141B illustrates an inboard side perspective view of the trackdrive protector of FIGS. 139A-B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 142 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a secondary skidplate, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 143 illustrates a front side perspective view of the top of thesecondary skid plate of FIG. 142 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 144 illustrates a front perspective view of the secondary skidplate of FIG. 142 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 145 illustrates a rear perspective view of the secondary skid plateof FIG. 142 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 146A illustrates a top perspective view of a secondary skid plateof FIG. 142 and the track drive protectors of FIGS. 136A-B for use onthe snowmobile of FIGS. 8-10 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 146B illustrates a top perspective view of a secondary skid plateof FIG. 142 and a track drive protectors of FIGS. 139A and B for use onthe snowmobile of FIGS. 1-7 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 147A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the secondary skidplate assembly of FIG. 146A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 147B illustrates a cross sectional side view of the secondary skidplate assembly of FIG. 146B, according to some embodiments

FIG. 148 illustrates a flowchart for a method of assembling asnowmobile, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 149 is an exploded side view of the bottom-out protector and thesecondary skid plate assembly of FIG. 147A from outboard of the brakeside of a snowmobile, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 150 is a cross-sectional view of the snowmobile with an explodedside view of the bottom-out protector and the secondary skid plateassembly of FIG. 149 from the inboard side of the heat exchanger end capalong the brake side of the snowmobile, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 151 is an exploded side view of the skid plate, the bottom-outprotector, and the accessory skid plate assembly of FIG. 149 fromoutboard of the brake side, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 152 is an exploded perspective view of the skid plate, thebottom-out protector, and the accessory skid plate assembly of FIG. 149from outboard and above the brake side, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 153 is an exploded side view of the skid plate, the bottom-outprotector, and the accessory skid plate assembly of FIG. 149 fromoutboard and below the brake side, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 154 is an exploded view of the skid plate, the bottom-outprotector, and the accessory skid plate assembly of FIG. 149 fromoutboard and below the brake side and the heat exchanger assembly,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 155 is an exploded view of the skid plate, the bottom-outprotector, and the accessory skid plate assembly of FIG. 149 frominboard and below the brake side and the heat exchanger assembly,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 156 illustrates a perspective view of the accessory skid plateassembly of FIG. 149 , according to some embodiments.

FIG. 157 illustrates a perspective view of a secondary skid plate andtrack drive protector, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 158 illustrates a perspective view of a secondary skid plate andtrack drive protector, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 159A illustrates a partial bottom view of the track drive protectorof FIG. 136B secured to the underside of the brake side of thesnowmobile of FIG. 131A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 159B illustrates a partial bottom view of the track drive protectorof FIG. 136B secured to the underside of the brake side of thesnowmobile of FIG. 131A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 160A illustrates a bottom view of a snowmobile with a secondaryskid plate and track drive protectors on the snowmobile of FIGS. 8-10 ,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 160B illustrates a bottom view of a snowmobile with a secondaryskid plate and track drive protectors on the snowmobile of FIGS. 1-7 ,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 161 illustrates a front view of the snowmobile of FIG. 130B withthe secondary skid plate and track drive protector of FIG. 160B,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 162 illustrates a partial left side view of the snowmobile of FIG.130B with the secondary skid plate and track drive protector of FIG.160B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 163 illustrates a perspective side view of a forward frameassembly, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe one or more components ofa running board assembly, a toe stop, a bottom-out protector, and anaccessory skid plate assembly, and combinations thereof, that can beremovably secured to one or more vehicles, such as snowmobiles 100. Thesnowmobiles 100 are generally shown in FIGS. 1-10 and may include achassis 102, a tunnel 104, a motor or engine 106 (hereinafter referredto as “the engine 106”) attached to the chassis 102 and disposed withinan engine bay 108, a drive track 110 disposed within the tunnel 104, anda drivetrain 112 configured to provide motive power from the engine 106to the drive track 110. The snowmobile 100 further includes one or moreskis 114 operably connected to handlebars 116 that are used to turn thesnowmobile 100 and a seat 118 for the snowmobile driver/passenger.

As shown in FIG. 11-26B, a running board assembly 120 may include asupport member 122 and a running board or foot support member 124(hereinafter referred to as “the foot support member 124”). The supportmember 122 may be a tube, may be hollow, and may be comprised of ametal, a metal alloy, a polymeric material, or a fiber reinforcedpolymer composite. In a non-limiting example, the support member 122 isa steel tube. The rearward end of the support member 122 is removablysecurable to the tunnel 104, or to a support bracket 184 that is securedto an interior surface of a side panel 182 of the tunnel 104 by a firstplurality of screws or threaded fasteners 126. As shown in FIGS. 8 and11 , the rearward end of the support member 122 may extend downwardlyfrom an outboard side 127 of the foot support member 124 and inward towhere it is removably attached to a rearward portion 191 of the supportbracket 184 that extends below the adjacent portion of the tunnel sidepanel 182. As shown in FIGS. 5, 8, 70A and 70B, the rearward portion 191may also provide a common mounting point for a rear suspension component192 positioned in or below the tunnel 104. In a non-limiting example, afastener 123 may be inserted through an aperture 194 in the supportmember 122 and an aperture 193 in the rearward portion 191 to secure thesupport member 122 to an outward facing surface of the rearward portion191, and into an aperture in the rear suspension component 192 to securethe rear suspension component 192 to an inward facing surface of therearward portion 191. In an illustrative example, the rear suspensioncomponent 192 may be an upper horizontal member of a rear idler arm thatis connected to a rear arm of a rear suspension on a skid frameassembly, or a component operably coupled thereto. An example of such anupper horizonal member is shown in U.S. Patent No. 9,771,130, entitled“Snowmobile Skid Frame Assembly”, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. A forward end 632 of thesupport member 122 may be removably secured to the snowmobile by, forexample, inserting within a tubular rearward leg 326/338 of a forwardframe 312 and securing the two tubes together with a removable fastener125 as best shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 . It is also to be understood thatthe end of the rearward leg 326/338 may be inserted in the forward endof the support member 122 to secure the two together. The forward frame312 may be the forward frame assembly described in U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 63/344,165 filed on May 20, 2022, and entitled“Snowmobile Frame,” the contents of which are incorporated by referencein its entirety. The forward end 632 of the support member 122 extendsoutward, forward, and downward from the rearward leg 326 and transitionsinto a rearward extending portion that provides an outboard supportplatform for the foot support member 124. This provides a continuoustubular member comprised of the support member 122 and the rearward leg326, 338 of the forward frame 312. The continuous tubular member extendsfrom a steering column mount component 328, shown in FIGS. 41B and 41C,located at the top of the forward frame 312 forward of the tunnel 104and the track drive shaft 352. One or more fasteners 123, 125 provide aremovable attachment of the support member 122 to the snowmobile 100 incase the support member 122 needs to be removed or replaced. Forexample, removal of the fastener 123 allows the support member 122 to bedecoupled from the rearward leg 326 or 338. It is to be understood thatthe forward end 632 and rearward ends 634 of the support member 122 maybe fastened to the tunnel 104, a support bracket 184, and/or forwardframe 312 by removeable threaded fasteners, fir tree fasteners, clips,etc. The support member 122 may alternatively be formed integrally withthe tunnel 104, the foot support member 124, and/or the forward frame312.

The foot support member 124 provides a support platform for the rider’sfeet while mounting and riding the snowmobile 100. In an illustrativeexample as shown in FIG. 15A, a first rail 600 defines an inboard side128 of the foot support member 124 that is attached to the tunnel 104 ora mounting surface 186 of the support bracket 184 by a second pluralityof screws or threaded fasteners 130. As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 ,a second rail 605 of the foot support member 124 defines a channel 131extending along an outboard side 127 of the foot support member 124 thatreceives the support member 122 therein. The first rail 600 may bepositioned a first distance apart from the second rail 605 at theforward end 622 of the foot support member 124, and the first rail 600may intersect or be positioned a second distance apart from the secondrail 605 at a rearward end 624 of the foot support member 124. Thesecond rail 605 may be longer than the first rail 600. As used herein,inboard may refer to a location or direction closer to the longitudinalcenterline of the snowmobile and outboard may refer to a location ordirection further from the longitudinal centerline of the snowmobile. Asbest shown in FIGS. 16, 19, 25A and 25B, an interior surface of thechannel 131 defines a downward facing opening 615 and has a generallysemicircular cross section having a radius that is substantially equalto the radius of an outer surface of the support member 122. Thedownward facing opening 615 may extend continuously along the length ofthe channel 131 to allow the support member 122 to be inserted into thechannel 131 via the opening 615. The second rail 605 defines a pluralityof retaining members including, but not limited to, flexible curvedclips 132 extending from an outer side of the channel 131 toward thedownward facing opening 615 of the channel 131. The retaining membersmay be integrally formed with the foot support member 124. A second setof retaining members may be provided, such as clips 133 that arepositioned adjacent the cross members 610 and extend from the oppositeside of the channel 131 toward the downward facing opening 615 of thechannel 131. The clips 132 and 133 may have a radius substantially equalto that of the channel 131. The combination of the channel 131 and theclips 132, and optionally the clips 133, may have a cross section with acircular sector shape having a measurement greater than 1.02π radiansand less than 1.5π radians so that the channel 131 and clips 132 (withor without the clips 133) wrap around at least 40% of a circumference ofthe support member 122, and optionally at least 50% of a circumferenceof the support member 122, and optionally between 51% and 75% of acircumference of the support member 122. The radius of this circularsector is substantially equal to the radius of an outer surface of thesupport member 122 and is sized so that the flexible clips 132 apply acompressive force to the support member 122 to removably secure the footsupport member 124 to the support member 122. The clips 132 are offsetfrom the clips 133 along the length of the channel 131. Offsetting theclips 132 and 133 along the length of the channel 131 facilitatesinsertion and removal of the support member 122 in the channel 131 andmaintains the strength of the region of the foot support member 124forming the channel 131. The outboard side 127 of the foot supportmember 124 may be retained to the support member 122 solely by the clips132 and 133 to allow the support member to be inserted in or removedfrom the channel 131 without tools. However, it is to be understood thatfasteners may be driven through the foot support member 124 and thesupport member 122 to removably secure the foot support member 124 tothe outboard side of the support member 122. In a non-limiting example,fasteners may be used in combination with the clips 132 and 133 tosecure the foot support member 124 to the support member 122.

In some examples, the foot support member 124 is formed of a polymericmaterial. Illustrative polymeric materials may include, but are notlimited to, a polyamide, e.g., NYLON 6/6 OR NYLON 12. In othernon-limiting examples, such a polymeric material includes, but is notlimited to, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polypropylene (PP),polyphthalamide (PPA) and/or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). In someexamples, the foot support member 124 may be formed of a composite of apolymer and other materials. For example, the foot support member 124may comprise a composite including one or more of the above-describedpolymers and one or more types of reinforcements including, but notlimited to, glass and/or carbon fibers, e.g., 30 wt % glass filledpolyamide. In a non-limiting example, the fiber % by weight of thecomposite material may range from 10 wt % to 50 wt %, and may optionallybe in the range of 20 wt % to 60 wt %, or optionally in the range of 45wt % to 55 wt %. In some embodiments, the foot support member 124includes polymeric material including, but not limited to, Nylon 6/6,Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polypropylene (PP), or Polyphthalamide(PPA) as a matrix material with glass, carbon, or ratio of both carbonand fiber material for fiber fill varying in percent volume from10%-50%, optionally from 40%-60%, and in some embodiments, from 45%-55%.These materials have the advantages of being tough enough to withstandimpacts while also being flexible enough to form the flexible clips 132and 133 so that the flexible clips 132 and 133 may be integrally formedwith the foot support member 124. The polymeric composite materials maycomprise a thermal conductivity that is less than 10 W/m-°K, andoptionally less than 5 W/m-°K, and optionally less than 1 W/m-°K. Thisthermal conductivity may provide the benefit of reducing conductive heatloss through a rider’s boot from contact with the foot support member124.

The support member 122 and the foot support member 124 are removablyattached to the tunnel 104 or to a support bracket 184 that is securedto a side panel 182 of the tunnel 104. The foot support member 124 isremovably secured to the support member 122, thereby allowing thesecomponents to be separately replaced.

As shown in FIGS. 15A, 21A-21B, and 23A-23B, the foot support member 124includes a first rail 600, a second rail 605 that at least partiallydefines the channel 131, and plurality of cross members 610 extendingbetween the first rail 600 and the second rail 605. The cross members610 partially define a plurality of apertures 134 extending from thefirst rail 600 to the second rail 605. These apertures 134 areconfigured to shed snow or other debris through the cross members 610 ofthe foot support member 124 and may reduce the weight of the snowmobileand/or the material needed to form the foot support member 124. The footsupport member 124 may define a plurality of ridges 136 that extendingfrom a top surface 138 of the cross members and optionally along thefirst rail 600. At least some of the ridges 136 are located intermediateat least some of the apertures 134. The ridges 136 are configured toenhance traction of a rider’s boot with the foot support member 124. Asshown in FIG. 17 , the ridges 136 may be notched or serrated to furtherenhance traction. As best shown in FIG. 16 , the inclusion of a seriesof ridges 136 inboard of the cross members 610 along the first rail 600provides additional surface area for boot traction when at least aportion of the forward end of the foot support member 124 is positionedfurther outboard from the tunnel 104 in a first configuration (runningboard assembly 120A) as shown in FIG. 3 than a second configuration(running board assembly 120B) as shown in FIG. 10 . In an illustrativeexample, the running board assembly 120A may include a first supporttube 122A (FIG. 58 ) and a first support bracket 184A (FIGS. 37A-B), andthe running board assembly 120B may include a second support tube 122B(FIGS. 37C-D) that is different than the first support tube 122A, and asecond support bracket 184B that is different than the first supportbracket 184A. Although the support tubes 122A, 122B and the supportbrackets 184A, 184B are different, each are still compatible with andcan be removable secured to the common foot support member 124.Accordingly, the same foot support member 124 can be used on differentsnowmobile configurations or models that arrange the foot support member124 in a different configuration or position with respect to the tunnel104. The series of ridges 136 positioned along the first rail 600 mayhave a base or a crown that is positioned lower than a correspondingbase or crown of the ridges 136 on the cross members 610, and the baseor crown of ridges 136 positioned along the second rail 605 bepositioned higher than the corresponding base or crown of the ridges 136on the cross members 610.

In an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 26-31 , toe stops 140 are provided.In an illustrative example, the toe stops 140 may be removably securableto one or more of the foot support member 124, the forward frameassembly 312, and the tunnel 104 by screws or threaded fasteners 142.The toe stops 140 may be configured to receive at least a portion of therider’s boots. The front toe stops 140 are positionable at the front endof the running board assembly 120 and may be at least partially disposedwithin or positioned adjacent to a front cowl or body panel 400 of thesnowmobile forming the engine bay 108. As shown in FIG. 26 , the fronttoe stops 140 define a plurality of openings 144 that are in fluidcommunication with the engine bay 108 and are configured to exhaust airwarmed by the engine 106 from inside the engine bay 108. These openings144 may transfer heat from inside the engine bay 108 and direct ittoward the toe pocket 222. The front toe stops 140 may include one ormore features to receive and optionally secure the support member 122thereto. The support member 122 may define a substantially U-shapedconfiguration along the outboard side 127 of the foot support member 124with an open end facing rearwardly to accommodate the transition betweenthe toe stops 140 and the foot support member 124. The front toe stops140 may comprise a polymeric composite material, optionally the samematerial used to form the foot support member 124. For example, the toestop 140 may comprise a composite including one or more of theabove-described polymers and one or more types of reinforcementsincluding, but not limited to, glass and/or carbon fibers, e.g., 30 wt %glass filled polyamide. In a non-limiting example, the fiber % by weightof the composite material may range from 10 wt % to 50 wt %, and mayoptionally be in the range of 20 wt % to 60 wt %, or optionally in therange of 45 wt % to 55 wt %. In some embodiments, the toe stop 140includes polymeric material including, but not limited to, Nylon 6/6,Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polypropylene (PP), or Polyphthalamide(PPA) as a matrix material with glass, carbon, or ratio of both carbonand fiber material for fiber fill varying in percent volume from10%-50%, optionally from 40%-60%, and in some embodiments, from 45%-55%.

In an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 32-37 , a rear kick-up panel 146 isprovided. In an illustrative example, the rear kick-up panel 146 extendsfrom the foot support member 122 along a transition length 105 of thetunnel 104 to a part of the bumper assembly, such as an arm 525. Inaddition to, or alternatively, the rear kick-up panel 146 is supportedby the support member 122 on the forward outboard end of the rearkick-up panel 146. The rear kick-up panel 146 may be removably securedto one or more of the rearward end of the foot support member 124, thesupport bracket 184, the rear bumper 530, and the side panel 182 of thetunnel 104. In a non-limiting example, the rear kick-up panel 146includes a first rail 500, a second rail 505, and one or more crossmembers 510 extending between the first rail 500 and the second rail505. The forward end 147 of the rear kick-up panel 146 may overlap arearward end of the foot support member 124, and the rear kick-up panel146 may define one or more apertures 555 that may receive a fastener(e.g., fastener 553 in FIG. 44 ) to maintain positioning of the footsupport member 124 and the rear kick-up panels 146. In an illustrativeexample as shown in FIGS. 35A and 35C, the foot support member 124 maydefine one or more slots 557 that are alignable with the apertures 555in the rear kick-up panel 146. Although the position of the rear kick-uppanel 146 may be fixed with respect to the tunnel 104, the slots allowthe foot support member 124 to be fastened to the rear kick-up panel 146in either of the running board assembly positions 120A or 120B. As shownin FIG. 35A, the apertures 555 are located near a rearward end of theslots when in the running board assembly 120A configuration is desired.As shown in FIG. 35C, the apertures are located near a forward end ofthe slots when the running board assembly 120B configuration is desired.As shown in FIG. 44 , a self-tapping (and removable) fastener may beinserted from the bottom of the foot support member 124 through the slotand into the apertures 555 to secure the foot support member 124 to therear kick-up panel 146. Accordingly, the slots allow for the same footsupport member 124 and the same kick-up panel 146 to be used on bothrunning board assembly 120A-B configurations, thereby reducinginefficiencies associated with the production of different componentsspecific to a particular configuration. Although the slots are includedon the foot support member 124 and the apertures 555 are included on therear kick-up panels 146, it is to be understood that the rear kick-uppanels 146 could include the slots and the foot support member 124 couldinclude the apertures 555. It is also to be understood that the presentdisclosure is not limited to a slot and aperture system for allowing thefoot support member 124 to be selectively positioned in differentconfigurations with respect to the tunnel 104 and/or the rear kick-uppanel 146. As shown in FIGS. 33 and 36 , the second rail 505 may definea channel 149 at the forward end 147 that is positioned adjacent thefoot support member 124 and is shaped to receive a portion of thesupport member 122 therein. The first rail 500 and the second rail 505may extend from the forward end 147 and converge at a rearward end 515to define a member 520 extending therefrom. As shown in FIG. 17 , themember 520 is removably securable to, for example, the side panel 182 ofthe tunnel 104 and/or an arm 525 extending from the rear bumper 530. Ina non-limiting example, the arm 525 may be a hollow member. The member520 may an upper wall 522 that is positionable on top of an uppersurface of the arm 525 to support the rear kick-up panel 146 thereon. Anoutboard wall 524 of the member 520 overlaps an outboard wall 526 of thearm 525 and defines an aperture for receiving a threaded fastener 535therethrough. The threaded fastener 535 may be inserted throughcoaxially aligned apertures on the member 520 and the arm 525 toremovably secure the kick-up panel 146 to the rear bumper 530 with, forexample, a clip nut 550 positioned on an underside of the member 520 andthe arm 525 when installed thereon. The member 520 is optionallyremovably secured to the side panel 182. As shown in FIG. 36 , a flange540 extends downward from the first rail 500 and is positioned adjacentan edge of a transitional length of the side panel 182 of the tunnel104, and is removably secured thereto with threaded fasteners 544inserted from the inner surface of the side panel 182 through apertures227, that optionally also extend through the body 185 of the supportbracket 184 through apertures 188 (as shown in FIGS. 37B and 37D), andoutward through the flange 540 and removably secured with nuts 545. Therear kick-up panels 146 may comprise a polymeric composite material,optionally the same material used to form the foot support member 124.The rear kick-up panels 146 may also define apertures 134 and ridges 136similar to those of the foot support member 124 as t shown in FIGS. 34Aand 34B.

In an embodiment, bottom-out protectors 148 may be provided. In anillustrative example as shown in FIGS. 13, 27B, and 30 , the bottom-outprotectors may project from a portion of the chassis 102 and areconfigured to inhibit the transmission of forces directly to the chassis102. The bottom-out protectors 148 are positioned on the chassis 102 ina location lower than the foot support member 124. In a non-limitingexample, the bottom-out protectors 148 are positioned at least partiallyoutboard of the tunnel 104, and at least partially inboard of thesupport member 122 of the running board assembly. The bottom-outprotectors 148 may be positioned to contact a ground-based obstaclebefore another part of the chassis 102. The bottom-out protectors 148are formed from a resilient material, such as, for example, an unfilledthermoplastic olefin material. In some embodiments, the bottom-outprotector 148 may be formed of a fiber reinforced polymer materialincluding one or more of the above-described polymers and one or moretypes of reinforcements including, but not limited to, glass and/orcarbon fibers, e.g., 30 wt % glass filled polyamide. In a non-limitingexample, the fiber % by weight of the composite material may range from20 wt % to 60 wt %, and may optionally be in the range of 20 wt % to 40wt %, or optionally in the range of 25 wt % to 35 wt %. In someembodiments, the bottom-out protector 148 includes polymeric materialincluding, but not limited to, Nylon 6/6, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK),Polypropylene (PP), or Polyphthalamide (PPA) as a matrix material withglass, carbon, or ratio of both carbon and fiber material for fiber fillvarying in percent volume from 10%-50%, optionally from 40%-60%, and insome embodiments, from 45%-55%.

As shown in FIGS. 37A and 37B, the support bracket 184 is provided witha body 185 that includes a plurality of apertures 188 for receiving thefasteners 126 to secure the support bracket 184 to an interior surfaceof the side panel 182. As shown in FIGS. 37A and 43 , the supportbracket includes an upper flange 189 that is positionable along theunderside of the center plate 180 and extends toward a centerline of thetunnel 104. The upper flange 189 is provided with a plurality ofapertures 190 for receiving fasteners therethrough to secure the upperflange 189 to the underside of the center plate 180. As shown in FIG.40C, the tunnel 104 comprises a lower end, the lower end including afirst length 103, a transition length 105, and a second length 107extending to a rear end 109 (i.e., a second end) of the tunnel 104. Thesupport bracket 184 may be configured to extend from the first length103 to the second length 107 along the transition length 105. In someembodiments, the first length 103 and the second length 107 may besubstantially parallel, with the transition length 105 orientednon-parallel to the first length 103 and the second length 107. In someembodiments, the first length 103 and the second length 107 may besubstantially parallel to the top surface of the tunnel 104. In someembodiments, the bumper arm 525 may be positioned along the secondlength 107 of the side panel 182.

The tunnel 104 of the snowmobile 100 may also include a center plate 180and a first and second side panel 182. The first side panel 182 includesa first end that is connected to the center plate 180 and a second, orfree, end extending away from the center plate 180. The second sidepanel 182 also includes a first end that is connected to the centerplate 180 and a second end that extends from the center plate 180. Asshown in FIG. 43 , a first support bracket 184 is secured to an interiorsurface of the first side panel 182, and a second support bracket 184 issecured to an interior surface of the second side panel 182. In anon-limiting example, the support brackets 184 may extend along one ormore lengths of the free end of the side panels 182 of the tunnel 104.The free end of the side panels 182 may comprise a first length, asecond length positioned rearward from the first length, and atransition length extending from the first length to the second length.The support bracket 184 may be positioned along at least a portion ofone or more of the first length, the second length, and the transitionlength. The portion of the support bracket 184 positioned along thefirst length may be secured to the foot support member 124, the portionof the support bracket 184 positioned along the transition length may besecured to the rear kick-up panel 146, and the portion of the supportbracket 184 positioned along the second length may be secured to aportion of the bumper 530. Accordingly, the support bracket 184 canreinforce the tunnel 104 to support components positioned outboardthereof. Each support bracket 184 may include a mounting surface 186extending underneath the second ends of the side panels 182 and outboardfrom the side panel 182 that the foot support members 124 are removablysecured to. The mounting surface 186 may be provided with one or moreprojections 195 extending outward, and the apertures 187 may be providedon the projections 195. The apertures 187 for receiving the fasteners130 for securing the foot support members 124 to the mounting surface186 may each be positioned at the same distance from the longitudinalcenterline of the tunnel 104 as utilized in the running board assembly120B configuration. Optionally, one or more of the apertures 187 may bepositioned at a greater distance from the longitudinal centerline of thetunnel 104 than the other apertures 187, as utilized in the runningboard assembly 120A configuration.

As shown in FIGS. 44 and 45 , the inboard side of the foot supportmembers 124 may be positioned on top of the mounting surfaces 186 andthe fasteners 130 used to secure the foot support member 124 may beinserted through the apertures 187 in the support bracket 184 andthreaded into the foot support member 124. The fasteners may be insertedinto the first rail 600, the cross member 610, or an area positioned atthe intersection of the first rail 600 and the cross member 610.

As explained above, the foot support member 124 may be positioned indifferent configurations with respect to one or both of the chassis 102and tunnel 104 by modifying one or both of the support member 122 andthe support bracket 184. As shown in FIG. 37A, the support bracket 184is provided with a series of the apertures 187 for receiving fasteners130 for removably securing the foot support member 124 thereto. In afirst configuration (running board assembly 120A) as shown in FIGS. 7,37A and 87B, the apertures 187 on the mounting surface 186 arepositioned along a line that extends progressively outward from the body185 of the support bracket 184 and the adjacent side panel 182. In asecond configuration as shown in FIGS. 10, 12, 37C and 101 , theapertures 187 on the mounting surface 186 may be positioned the samedistance from the body 185 of the support bracket 184, so that theapertures 187 are positioned along a line parallel to the adjacent sidepanel 182. The distance that the forward end of the support member 122extends outward from the rearward leg 326 and the sides of thesnowmobile 100 can be increased or decreased to accommodate thedifferences between the first and second configurations. Accordingly,the same foot support member 124 can be applied to different snowmobileconfigurations or models without modification of the foot support member124, simply by using a support bracket 184 with a different mountingsurface 186 configuration. It is to be understood, however, thatdifferent support members could be used with the different supportbrackets. As shown in FIG. 58 , different support members 122A, 122B maybe provided to accommodate the different orientation of the foot supportmember 124 due to the use of different support brackets 184. When thesupport bracket 184 shown in FIG. 37A is used, the support tube 122A isused and it extends further outboard than the support tube 122B usedwhen the support bracket 184 shown in FIG. 37C is used. The rear end ofthe support tubes 122A, 122B are secured to either the side panel 184 ofthe tunnel 104 and/or the support bracket 184. The rear end of thesupport tubes 122A, 122B may be secured in the same location on thedifferent snowmobiles, or at different positions. For example, thesupport tube 122A may be connected to a first rear suspension, and thesupport tube 122B may be connected to a second rear suspension that isdifferent than the first rear suspension.

In a non-limiting example, the support bracket 184 may be used toprovide targeted reinforcement to portions of the tunnel 104, therebyallowing the tunnel 104 to be made of a thinner and lighter gauge ofsheet metal or a fiber reinforced polymer. In a non-limiting example,the first side panel 182 comprises a sheet metal or metal alloy that hasa first thickness and the first support bracket 184 comprises a sheetmetal or metal alloy that has a second thickness that is different than,and optionally greater than the first thickness. In addition to, oralternatively, the tunnel 104 may be comprised of a first material,e.g., aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the first support bracket 184may be comprised of a second material, such as steel, that is differentthan the first material and has a higher value of Young’s modulus. It isto be understood, however, that the support bracket 184 may be comprisedof the same material as the tunnel 104.

With respect to the foot support member 124, the second rail 605 maydefine a plurality of openings 675 from the top surface 138 to thechannel 131 that extend along an outboard side of the second rail 605and face outwardly from the tunnel 104. Optionally, the second rail 605may define a second plurality of openings 680 from the top surface 138to the channel 131 that extend along an inboard side of the second rail605 and face inwardly toward the tunnel 104. The openings 680 may beoffset from the openings 675 along the length of the channel 131. One ormore ridges 136 may at least partially define the outer perimeter of theopenings 675, and optionally the outer perimeter of the openings 680. Asshown in FIG. 25A, the clips 132 may be positioned along the second rail605 below the openings 675 and extend downward and inward toward thedownward facing opening 615. As shown in FIG. 25B, the clips 133 may bepositioned along the second rail 605 below the openings 680 and extenddownward from the bottom surface 139 of the foot support member 124 andoutward towards the downward facing opening 615. The clips 133 may be atleast partially positioned along a leading edge 617 of the cross members610 and extend outward therefrom toward the downward facing opening 615.

While the running board and running board assembly presented herein isemployed on a snowmobile, different embodiments of the running board andrunning board assembly may be applied to other types of vehicles, suchas a snow bike or a personal off-road vehicle.

FIG. 39 shows a illustrative method 200 of assembling a snowmobile thatincludes a chassis 102, an engine 106 attached to the chassis anddisposed within an engine bay 108, a drive track 110, a drivetrain 112operatively interconnecting the engine with the drive track 110 andconfigured to deliver propulsive power to the drive track 110, a tunnel104 attached to the chassis 102, and a running board assembly 120attached to the tunnel 104. The method 200 includes the following steps:

STEP 202, ATTACH A SUPPORT MEMBER, includes attaching a support member122 to one or more of the forward frame assembly 312, the tunnel 104 andthe support bracket 184 to position the support member 122 outboard ofthe tunnel 104;

STEP 204, ATTACH INBOARD SIDES OF A FOOT SUPPORT MEMBER, includesattaching inboard sides 128 of a foot support member 124 to the tunnel104 and/or the support bracket 184 using a plurality of threadedfasteners 130;

STEP 206, ATTACH THE FOOT SUPPORT MEMBER TO THE SUPPORT MEMBER, includesretaining outboard sides 127 of the foot support member 124 to thesupport member 122 optionally using a plurality of flexible clips 132that are integrally formed with the foot support member 124 and aredefined on an outboard edge of the foot support member 124. Each of theflexible clips 132 wraps around at least 51% and at most 75% of acircumference of the support member 122. The flexible clips 132 aresized to apply a compressive force to the support member 122;

STEP 208, ATTACH FRONT TOE STOPS, includes attaching front toe stops 140to one or more of the foot support member 124, the support member 122,the tunnel 104, body panels 400, 402, and the forward frame assembly312;

STEP 210, ATTACH REAR KICK-UP PANELS, includes attaching rear kick-uppanels 146 to one or more of the bumper 530, the support bracket 184,the foot support member 124, the support member 122, and the tunnel 104;and

STEP 212, ATTACH BOTTOM-OUT PROTECTORS, includes attaching bottom-outprotectors 148 to one or more of the tunnel 104, the heat exchanger endcap 178, the forward frame assembly 312, the foot support member 124,the toe stop 140, and body panels 400, 402. The bottom-out protectors148 may be formed of an unfilled thermoplastic olefin material or athermoplastic polyurethane material. The bottom-out protectors 148 maybe located outboard of at least a portion of the tunnel 104 and inboardof at least a portion of the support member 122, wherein the bottom-outprotectors 148 are positioned on the chassis 102 in a location that islower, i.e., closer to the ground, than the tunnel 104 and the footsupport member 124. It is to be understood that steps 202, 204, 206,208, 210 and 212 may be performed in any order, and that one or more ofthe steps may be optional.

As illustrated in a non-limiting example of FIGS. 40A-42D, thesnowmobile 100 may include a forward frame assembly 312 including aplurality of tube members. The forward frame assembly 312 may beassembled prior to securing to one or both the tunnel 104 and heatexchanger assembly 174. The forward frame assembly 312 may define afront, a rear, and a longitudinal centerline. The forward frame assembly312 may include a first side 304 extending substantially along thelongitudinal centerline and a second side 306 extending substantiallyalong the longitudinal centerline and spaced apart from the first side304. Each of the first side 304 and the second side 306 includes aninner perimeter 308 defining a side opening 310. The first side 304 andthe second side 306 are positioned to define a rear opening 314therebetween at the rear of the forward frame assembly 312 for receivingthe heat exchanger assembly 174, tunnel 104, or both therein.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a forwardframe assembly 312 for a snowmobile 100 is provided including a front, arear, and a longitudinal centerline extending from front to rear. Theforward frame 312 includes a first side 304 extending along thelongitudinal centerline, a second side 306 extending along thelongitudinal centerline and spaced apart from the first side 304. Eachof the first side 304 and the second side 306 includes an innerperimeter 308 defining a side opening 310. The first side 304 and thesecond side 306 define a rear opening 314 therebetween at the rear ofthe forward frame 312 for receiving a heat exchanger assembly 174 and/ortunnel 104 therein.

Optionally, the first side 304 defines an outer perimeter 318, thesecond side 306 defines an outer perimeter 318, and a track drive shaft352 extends across the forward frame assembly 312. The track drive shaft352 is positioned rearward of the outer perimeter 318 of the first side304 and forward of the outer perimeter 318 of the second side 306.

Optionally, the track drive shaft 352 is positioned rearward of theinner perimeter 308 of the first side 304 and rearward of the innerperimeter 308 of the second side 306.

Optionally, the second side 306 includes a metal plate or sheet 320(hereinafter referred to as “the metal sheet 320”) defining an aperture322 for receiving the track drive shaft 352 therethrough when the metalsheet 320 is positioned to overlap a heat exchanger end cap 178 of theheat exchanger assembly 174 or a side of the tunnel 104.

Optionally, the metal sheet 320 of the second side 306 defines a firstaperture 324 therein for receiving the track drive shaft 352 in a firstposition or a second position that is different than the first position.

Optionally, the second side 306 includes a rearward leg 326, such as ahollow tube, extending upward and forward from the metal sheet 320 to asteering column mount component 328, a forward leg 330, such as a hollowtube, extending upward and rearward to the steering column mountcomponent 328, and a horizontal member 331 (shown in FIGS. 12 and 41A)substantially extending along the longitudinal centerline from theforward leg 330 to the rearward leg 326. An upper end of the metal sheet320 is shaped to support a rearward end of the horizontal member 331 andis removably secured thereto, and the rearward end of the horizontalmember 331 is vertically positioned higher than the front end of thetunnel 104.

Optionally, the steering column mount component 328 may be configured tosecured to the forward legs 330 and the rearward legs 326 (see e.g.,FIG. 55-56C). The steering column mount component 328 may include one ormore mounting points 333 configured to secured to a steering column.

Optionally, the first side 304 includes a metal plate or sheet 334(hereinafter referred to as “the metal sheet 334”) defining an aperturefor securing a belt housing assembly 354 thereto when the metal sheet334 is positioned to overlap the heat exchanger end cap 178 of the heatexchanger assembly 174 and/or a side panel 182 of the tunnel 104.

Optionally, the metal sheet 334 of the first side 304 defines a firstaperture therein for securing the belt housing assembly 354 in a firstposition as shown in FIG. 42A or a second position as shown in FIG. 42Cthat is different than the first position.

Optionally, the first side 304 includes a rearward leg 338 extendingupward and forward from the metal sheet 334 to a steering column mountcomponent 328, a forward leg 330 extending upward and rearward to thesteering column mount component 328, and a horizontal member 342substantially extending along the longitudinal centerline from theforward leg 330 to the rearward leg 326, and a rearward end of thehorizontal member 342 is vertically positioned higher than the front ofthe tunnel 104.

Optionally, a jack shaft, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Application SerialNo. 17/588, 487, entitled ADJUSTABLE BELT DRIVE ASSEMBLY, SYSTEM ANDMETHOD, filed Jan. 31, 2022, which is commonly owned and incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety, extends across the forward frame312 and is positioned beneath the horizontal member 342 of the firstside 304.

Optionally, a steering column mount component 328 extends between thefirst side 304 and the second side 306. The first side 304 and thesecond side 306 each includes a leg 326, 338 extending upward andforward from the rear of the forward frame 312 to the steering columnmount component 328.

Optionally, the steering column mount component 328 includes a firstside including a first steering mount 344 that is securable to thesteering column assembly shown in FIGS. 41C, 51A and 51B, and a secondside that includes a second steering mount 346 that is securable to thesteering column assembly shown in FIGS. 41B, 50A and 50B, wherein thesecond side is positioned rearward of the first side along thelongitudinal centerline.

Optionally, the first steering mount 344 is positioned forward along thelongitudinal centerline of the forward frame assembly 312, of the heatexchanger assembly 174, and the tunnel 104.

Optionally, the first side 304 includes a rearward tube 338. Therearward tube 338 include a first end extending upward and forward fromthe metal sheet 334 to a steering column mount component 328, and asecond end extending outward from the first side 304. A support member122 is provided that includes a tube with a first end that is mated withthe second end of the first side rearward tube 338 and a second endsecured to a rearward portion of the tunnel 104 and/or support bracket184. The rearward tube 338 of the first side 304 and the tube of thesupport member 122 define a continuous tubular length extending from thesteering column mount component 328 to rearward of the foot supportmember 124 to a rear suspension component.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a method ofassembling a snowmobile 100 is provided including providing apreassembled forward frame 312 including a front and rear, the forwardframe 312 including a first side 304 and a second side 306. The firstand second sides 304, 306 are spaced apart from each other to define arear opening 314 at the rear of the forward frame 312. At least aportion of a heat exchanger assembly 174, a tunnel 104, or both arepositioned in the rear opening 314 between the first side 304 and thesecond side 306. The preassembled forward frame 312 is then secured tothe heat exchanger assembly 174, the tunnel 104, or both.

Optionally, each of the first side 304 and the second side 306 includesan inner perimeter 308 defining a side opening 310.

Optionally, the method includes inserting an engine 106 through the sideopening 310 of the second side 306 and securing the engine 106 to theforward frame 312.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a method ofassembling two different snowmobiles with a common forward frame,optionally on a common assembly line, is provided including providing acommon forward frame, providing a first rear body component or a secondrear body component, securing either the first body component or thesecond body component to the forward frame, and securing a track driveshaft 352 in a first position with respect to the forward frame when thefirst body component is secured to the forward frame or securing a trackdrive shaft 352 in a second position with respect to the forward framewhen the second body component is secured to the forward frame, whereinthe first position is different than the second position. In anon-limiting example, the first body component and the second bodycomponent are different tunnels. In a non-limiting example, the firstbody component and the second body component are different heatexchanger assemblies. In a non-limiting example, the first bodycomponent and the second body component are different support members122. In a non-limiting example, the first body component and the secondbody component are different steering column assemblies. In anon-limiting example, the first body component and the second bodycomponent are different front suspensions. In a non-limiting example,the first body component and the second body component are differentsteering column assemblies. In a non-limiting example, the first bodycomponent and the second body component are different toe stops. In anon-limiting example, the first body component and the second bodycomponent are different bottom-out protectors.

Optionally, the method includes securing a belt housing assembly to theforward frame, the belt drive housing defining a track drive shaftopening, wherein the track drive shaft opening is located at a firstposition with respect to the forward frame when the forward frame issecured to the first rear body component, and wherein the track driveshaft opening is located at a second position with respect to theforward frame when the forward frame is secured to the second rear bodycomponent, wherein the first position is different than the secondposition.

Optionally, the first body component is a tunnel, a heat exchangerassembly component, or both. Optionally, the first body component is arunning board assembly. Optionally, the second body component is atunnel, a heat exchanger assembly, or both. Optionally the second bodycomponent is a running board assembly.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a method ofassembling two types of snowmobiles with different drive trackrequirements is provided including providing a common forward frame,providing a first body component with a first drive track requirementand a second body component with a second drive track requirement thatis different than the first drive track requirement, wherein at least afirst engine mount is provided on one or more of the forward frame, thefirst body component, and the second body component, positioning eitherthe first body component or the second body component adjacent theforward frame, and securing a belt housing assembly 354 to the firstengine mount, the belt housing assembly 354 defining a track driveopening, wherein the track drive opening is located at a first positionwith respect to the first engine mount when the forward frame is securedto the first body component, and wherein the track drive opening islocated at a second position with respect to the first engine mount whenthe forward frame is secured to the second body component, wherein thefirst position is different than the second position.

Optionally, the first body component is a tunnel, a heat exchangerassembly, or both. Optionally the first body component is a runningboard assembly. Optionally, the second body component is a tunnel, aheat exchanger assembly, or both. Optionally the second body componentis a running board assembly.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a method ofassembling two types of snowmobiles with different drive trackrequirements is provided including providing a common forward frameincluding a front and rear, the forward frame including a first side,and a second side spaced apart from the first side to define a rearopening at the rear of the forward frame. The method includes providinga first body component with a first drive track shaft position and asecond body component with a second drive track shaft position that isdifferent than the first drive track position. The method includespositioning either the first body component or the second body componentin the rear opening between the first side and the second side,providing a belt drive housing that defines a track drive shaft opening,securing the belt housing assembly to the first side of the forwardframe, wherein the track drive shaft opening is located at a firstposition with respect to the first side when the forward frame issecured to the first body component, and wherein the track drive shaftopening is located at a second position with respect to the first sidewhen the forward frame is secured to the second body component, whereinthe first position is different than the second position.

Optionally, each of the first side and the second side includes an innerperimeter defining a side opening.

Optionally, the belt housing assembly is secured to the first side forboth body components with a jackshaft axis extending through the sideopenings of the first side and the second side, and a track drive shaftaxis positioned outside of an outer perimeter of the first side andinside of an outer perimeter of the second side.

Optionally, the method includes inserting an engine through the sideopening of the second side and securing the engine to the preassembledframe at a position between the first and second sides.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a frontframe assembly 312 for a snowmobile 100 is provided including a front, arear, and a longitudinal centerline. The forward frame 312 includes afirst side 304 extending along the longitudinal centerline and a secondside 306 extending along the longitudinal centerline and spaced apartfrom the first side 304. Each of the first side 304 and the second side306 includes an inner perimeter 308 defining a side opening 310. Thefirst side 304 and the second side 306 define a rear opening 314 at therear of the forward frame 312 therebetween for receiving a heatexchanger assembly 174, a tunnel 104, or both therein.

Optionally, the first side 304 defines an outer perimeter 318, and thesecond side 306 defines an outer perimeter 318. A track drive shaft 352extends across the forward frame 312 and is positioned rearward of theouter perimeter 318 of the first side 304 and forward of the outerperimeter 318 of the second side 306.

Optionally, the first side 304 defines an inner perimeter 308, thesecond side 306 defines an inner perimeter 308, and the track driveshaft 352 is positioned rearward of the inner perimeter 308 of the firstside 304 and rearward of the inner perimeter 308 of the second side 306.

Optionally, the second side 306 includes a plate or metal sheet,hereinafter referred to as metal sheet 320, defining an aperture 322 forreceiving the track drive shaft 352 therethrough when the metal sheet320 is positioned to overlap an end cap 178 of the heat exchangerassembly 174, a side panel 182 of the tunnel 104, or both.

Optionally, the aperture of the metal sheet 320 of the second side 306defines is shaped to receive the track drive shaft 352 in a firstposition 322 or a second position 324 that is different than the firstposition.

Optionally, the second side 306 includes a support tube or rearward leg,hereinafter referred to as rearward leg 326, extending upward andforward from the metal sheet 320 to a steering column mount component328, a support tube or forward leg, hereinafter referred to as forwardleg 330, extending upward and rearward to the steering column mountcomponent 328, and a horizontal member 331 substantially extending alongthe longitudinal centerline from the forward leg 330 to the rearward leg326. An upper end of the metal sheet 320 is shaped to support a rearwardend of the horizontal member 331 and is removably secured thereto, andthe rearward end of the horizontal member 331 is vertically positionedhigher than a forward end of the tunnel 104.

Optionally, the first side 304 includes a metal sheet or plate,hereinafter referred to as metal sheet 334, defining an aperture forsecuring a belt housing assembly 354 thereto when the metal sheet 320 ispositioned to overlap an end cap 178 of the heat exchanger assembly 174,a side panel 182 of the tunnel 104, or both.

Optionally, the metal sheet 334 of the first side 304 defines a firstaperture therein for securing the belt housing assembly 354 in a firstposition as shown in FIG. 42A, and a second aperture therein forsecuring the belt housing assembly 354 in a second position as shown inFIG. 42C that is different than the first position.

Optionally, the first side 304 includes a rearward leg 338 extendingupward and forward from the metal sheet 334 to a steering column mountcomponent 328, a forward leg 330 extending upward and rearward to thesteering column mount component 328, and a horizontal member 342substantially extending along the longitudinal centerline from theforward leg 330 to the rearward leg 326, and a rearward end of thehorizontal member 342 is vertically positioned higher than a forward endof the tunnel 104.

Optionally, a jack shaft extends across the forward frame 312 and ispositioned beneath the horizontal member 342 of the first side 304.

Optionally, a steering column mount component 328 extends between thefirst side 304 and the second side 306, wherein the first side 304 andthe second side 306 each includes a leg extending upward and forwardfrom the rear of the forward frame to the steering column mountcomponent.

Optionally, the steering column mount component 328 includes a firstside including a first steering mount, and a second side that includes asecond steering mount, wherein the second side is positioned rearward ofthe first side along the longitudinal centerline.

Optionally, the first steering mount is positioned forward along thelongitudinal centerline of the heat exchanger and the tunnel.

Optionally, the first side 304 includes a rearward tube 338 including afirst end extending upward and forward from the metal sheet 334 to asteering column mount component 328, and a second end extending outwardfrom the first side 304, and further including a support member 122including a tube with a first end that is mated with the second end ofthe first side tube and a second end secured to a rearward portion ofthe tunnel 104 and/or support bracket 184, wherein the rearward tube 338of the first side and the tube of the support member 122 define acontinuous tubular length extending from the steering column mountcomponent 328 to a rear suspension component, and/or rearward of thefoot support member 124.

In an embodiment, a method of assembling two different types ofsnowmobiles with a common forward frame 312 is provided that includesproviding a common forward frame 312 including a longitudinal centerlineand a support member 122 mounting point 317 positioned outboard of thelongitudinal centerline, providing a first running board assembly 120Aincluding a support member 122A; providing a second running boardassembly 120B including at least one component that is different than atleast one component of the first running board assembly, the secondrunning board assembly 120B including a support member 122B, andsecuring either the first running board assembly 120A or the secondrunning board assembly 120B to the mounting point 317, wherein the firstrunning board assembly 120B is located at a first position with respectto the longitudinal centerline of the forward frame 312 when secured tothe mounting point 317, and wherein the second running board assembly120B is located at a second position with respect to the longitudinalcenterline of the forward frame 312 when secured to the mounting point317, wherein the first position is different than the second position.

Optionally, each running board assembly includes a foot support member124, a support member 122, and optionally a support bracket 184.Optionally, the foot support member 124 is a fiber reinforced polymercomposite, and the support member 122 is a hollow tube.

Optionally, the mounting point 317 extends outward and forwardly fromthe forward frame 312. Optionally, the mounting point 317 is positionedbelow an upper surface of a portion of the tunnel 104 that is secured tothe forward frame 312. Optionally, the support member 122 of the firstrunning board assembly 120A extends outward from the centerline of thevehicle farther than the support member 122B of the second running boardassembly 120B.

Optionally, the common forward frame 312 includes an A-arm mountingpoint, and the method may further comprise providing a first suspensionassembly (FIGS. 47 and 54 ) including a control arm and a spindle 492that includes a lower A-arm ball joint, providing a second suspensionassembly (FIGS. 46 and 53 ) that is different than the first suspensionassembly, the second suspension assembly including a control arm and aspindle 490 that includes a lower A-arm ball joint, and securing theA-arm of the first suspension assembly to the A-arm mounting point whenthe first running board assembly 120A is secured to the mounting point317 or the second suspension assembly to the A-arm mounting point whenthe second running board assembly 120B is secured to the mounting point317, wherein optionally the first lower A-arm ball joint is positionedat a different position with respect to the common forward frame 312than the second lower A-arm ball joint when the respective suspensionassembly is secured to the common forward frame 312. The firstsuspension assembly may comprise the assemblies disclosed in U.S.Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/310,254 filed Feb. 15, 2022, andentitled “Recreational Vehicle Spindle”, U.S. Provisional Pat.Application No. 63/404,856 filed Sep. 8, 2022, and entitled“Recreational Vehicle Spindle”, and U.S. Pat. Application Serial No.17/982,748 filed on Nov. 8, 2022, and entitled “Recreational VehicleSpindle,” the contents of each is incorporated by reference in itsentirety. The second suspension assembly may comprise the assembliesdisclosed in U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/310,276 filed Feb.15, 2022, and entitled “Spindle for a Recreational Vehicle”, U.S.Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/404,841 filed Sep. 8, 2022, andentitled “Spindle for a Recreational Vehicle,” and U.S. Pat. ApplicationSerial No. 17/988,304 filed on Nov. 16, 2022, and entitled “Spindle fora Recreational Vehicle,” the contents of each is incorporated byreference in its entirety.

Optionally, the support member 122A of the first running board assembly120A extends outward from the centerline of the vehicle farther than thesupport member 122B of the second running board assembly 120B, and thelower A-arm ball joint of the first suspension assembly is positionedoutward from the centerline of the vehicle a greater distance than thelower A-arm ball joint of the second suspension assembly.

Optionally, wherein the support member 122A of the first running boardassembly 120A extends outward from the centerline of the vehicle fartherthan the support member 122B of the second running board assembly 120B,and the lower A-arm ball joint of the first suspension assembly ispositioned farther forward with respect to the common forward frame 312than the lower A-arm ball joint of the second suspension assembly.

Optionally, wherein the support member 122A of the first running boardassembly 120A extends outward from the centerline of the vehicle fartherthan the support member 122B of the second running board assembly 120B,and the lower A-arm ball joint of the first suspension assembly ispositioned along the centerline of the common forward frame 312 fartherforward from the mounting point 317 than the lower A-arm ball joint ofthe second suspension assembly.

In a non-limiting example, different snowmobile models may be assembledusing a common forward frame assembly by changing one or more of aspindle, a suspension component such as a control or A-arm, and asteering assembly between models. FIGS. 46 and 47 illustrates a sideview of a common forward frame assembly 312 with different suspensioncomponents including a second spindle 490 and a first spindle 492,according to some embodiments. FIGS. 48 and 49 show a front view of thetwo different models utilizing the common forward frame assembly. Asshown in FIGS. 49 and 54 , the model with the first spindle 492 may havea wider width or stance than the model shown in FIGS. 48 and 53 with thesecond spindle 490. This difference in width may be configured byproviding different control arms for the different models (that extenddifferent distances from the vehicle longitudinal centerline). Thelocation of the spindles 490/492 (and/or at least a portion of theattached skis) may be positioned at different locations along thelongitudinal centerline of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 53 , the modelmay position the second spindle 490 and/or the rearward end of the skiattached to the second spindle 490 farther forward along thelongitudinal centerline (and farther forward with respect to the forwardframe) than the model with the first spindle 492 and/or the rearwardportion of the ski attached to the first spindle 492 (those beingpositioned further rearward along the longitudinal centerline andfurther rearward with respect to the forward frame). The height of thetwo different models may be the same, or different. It is also to beunderstood that the steering assembly may be the same or different forthe different models and may extend forward (FIG. 47 ) or rearward (FIG.48 ) of a steering column bracket (shown in FIGS. 56A, B, C) positionedat the upper portion of the forward frame.

FIGS. 50A-B illustrate side and front views of a steering columnassembly used in the assembly of FIGS. 46 and 48 , according to someembodiments. FIGS. 51A-B illustrate side and front views of the steeringcolumn assembly used in the assembly of FIGS. 47 and 49 , according tosome embodiments. FIGS. 52A-B illustrate side and front views of thedifferent steering column assemblies superimposed for comparison of thelocation of the different steering column assemblies when mounted to theforward frame, according to some embodiments. In a non-limiting example,the lower forward end of both steering columns are secured to the samelocation on the forward frame assembly 312.

FIGS. 53 and 54 illustrate a top-down view of forward frame, suspension,and engine components in a second configuration (FIG. 53 ) and a firstconfiguration (FIG. 54 ), according to some embodiments.

FIG. 55 illustrates a top-down view of a forward frame assembly withsteering column bracket, according to some embodiments; and FIGS. 56A-Cillustrate perspective views of a steering column bracket, according tosome embodiments. The steering column bracket may include the onedescribed in U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/344,165 filed onMay 20, 2022, and entitled “Snowmobile Frame,” the contents of which areincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 57 is a view of a polymeric assembly including one or more of thefoot support member 124, the toe stop 140, the bottom out protector 148,a rear kick-up panel 146 (not shown) and a body panel 400 or 402. Thepolymeric assembly may extend from the front of the vehicle to thebumper 530. Optionally, the polymeric assembly comprises one or morecomponents that are positioned outboard of the side panel 182 of thetunnel 104 and extend rearward from the track drive shaft 352 to a pointrearward of the fuel tank 650, and optionally to the bumper 530.

FIG. 58 is a side view of two different running board support tubes122A, 122B used for two different models for comparison purposes. Asshown, the one model (high performance) includes the support tube 122Athat extends further outboard from the forward frame and is secured tothe suspension assembly at a point higher than the support tube 122B forthe other model that does not extend outboard as far from the forwardframe.

FIGS. 59-68 illustrate a seat support assembly in an illustrativeembodiment. The support assembly may include a fuel tank 650 withmounting features 658 for securing a seat or seat frame 652 thereto. Arear panel 656 slidingly engages the fuel tank 650 to define acompartment 668 therebetween that may be used for storage or to house abattery 660 therein. The mounting features 658 may be integral with thefuel tank 650 and may provide a locking feature with the seat frame toprovide for more stability both vertically, laterally, and in theforward/rearward directions. The mounting features 658 may be positionedon a raised portion of the fuel tank that may have a triangular shapethat is at least partially surrounded by a flat or flangelike surface. Aseat fastener feature 662 may be provided on the rear panel 656 forengaging a portion of the seat or the seat frame 652. The underside 664of the fuel tank 650 may be upwardly recessed along the lower perimeterto slidingly receive extensions 666 of the rear panel 656 therealong sothat the extensions 666 of the rear panel 656 are positioned between theunderside 664 of the fuel tank 650 and the upper surface of the tunnel.As shown in FIG. 65 , a removable accessory mount 181 may be secured toboth the tunnel 104 and the support bracket 184. As shown in FIG. 63 ,the fuel tank 650 may have a convex outer shape and may be almostentirely contained within the rider envelope (all positioned inboard ofthe upper legs of the front frame member and greater than 95% of thefuel tank volume is positioned inboard of the tunnel side walls, andoptionally greater than 97% of the fuel tank volume is positionedinboard of the tunnel side walls, and optionally 99% or greater. Theseat assembly may include the one described in U.S. Provisional Pat.Application No. 63/350,553 filed on Jun. 9, 2022, and entitled“Snowmobile with Seat and Gas Tank Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Pat.Application No. 63/404,682 filed on Sep. 8, 2022, and entitled“Snowmobile with Seat Assembly,” and U.S. Pat. Application Serial No.17/988,111 filed on Nov. 16, 2022, and entitled “Fuel Tank and SeatAssembly for a Vehicle,” the contents of each of which are incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

FIGS. 69 and 70 show a structural composite taillight housing 700 thatis positioned on the upper surface of the rearward end of the tunnel104. The composite may comprise a polymeric matrix and a fiberreinforcement. The structural composite taillight housing 700 houses thetaillight and provides a structural reinforcement on the upper surfaceof the rearward end of the tunnel 104 that optionally may allow forthinner gauges of tunnel material and may optionally eliminate internaltunnel reinforcements at the rearward end. The structural compositetaillight housing 700 also provides a plurality of mounting points 701for a snow flap 702 that helps to maintain the snow flap position awayfrom the track and rear suspension components. As shown in FIGS. 69 and70 , the ends of the structural composite taillight housing 700 extendaround the sides of the rear bumper or grab bar and may engage the outersides of the snow flap 702. The structural composite taillight housingand the snow flap may include those described in U.S. Provisional Pat.Application No. 63/400,056 filed on Aug. 23, 2022, and entitled“Taillight Housing, Snow Flap and Assembly Thereof,” U.S. Pat.Application Serial No. 17/979,091 filed on November 2, and entitled“Snow Vehicle Heat Exchanger Shield,” and U.S. Pat. Application SerialNo. 17/979,066 filed on Nov. 2, 2022, and entitled “Taillight Housing,Snow Flap and Assembly Thereof,” the contents of each of which areincorporated by reference in its entirety.

As discussed above with reference to FIGS. 26-31 , a toe stop 140 isprovided. In a non-limiting example, the toe stop 140 may be attached tothe foot support member 124 and may be shaped to house a vehiclecomponent and/or receive the rider’s foot. Additional views of a toestop 140 are illustrated in FIGS. 57, 66, and 71-76 . A first embodimentof a pair of toe stops 140 a/140 b with one or more of the featuresdescribed below is illustrated in FIGS. 74, and 77- 89 that isconfigured for the first snowmobile of FIGS. 1-7 and the first runningboard assembly 120A. A second embodiment of a pair of toe stops 140c/140 d with one or more of the features described below is illustratedin FIGS. 90-101 that is configured for the second snowmobile of FIGS.8 - 10 and the second running board assembly 120B. The figuresillustrate the toe stop 140 from the front/forward side 10,rear/rearward side 12, the top 14, the bottom 16, the outboard side 127,and the inboard side 128.

In one aspect, the toe stop 140 is a unitary body that can define a toepocket 222 for receiving the rider’s foot. In some implementations, thetoe stop 140 is a molded polymeric, and optionally a molded polymericcomposite material. In another aspect, the toe stops 140 may be a right(or belt-side) toe stop 140 a/140 c and a left (or brake-side) toe stop140 b/140 d (see e.g., FIG. 66 ). As discussed below in greater detail,the right and left toe stops 140 a/140 c, 140 b/140 d may have differentshapes to, for example, accommodate the different composite runningboard assemblies 120A/120B associated with different snowmobiles. Inaddition to or alternatively, the toe stop 140 includes one or morefeatures that at least partially house vehicle components including, butnot limited to, the belt case assembly or the brake assembly. Thus,parts can be reduced and assembly simplified. In one aspect, the toestop 140 defines a recess/space to receive one or more internalcomponents. In an aspect, although the toe stops 140 a/140 c and 140b/140 d are shaped differently to, for example, accommodate differentvehicle component positions and or running board assemblies on differentsnowmobiles, the toe stops 140 a/140 c and 140 b/140D may include commonmounting features configured to be used, for example, with the commonforward frame assembly 312 and any body paneling (such as 400 and 402)that is common between the different snowmobiles 100.

The toe stop 140 may include one or more of the following features: abottom flange 176 that is engageable with a forward end of the footsupport member 124, an outboard wall 197 that is engageable with a bodypanel 400 and/or 402, a forward wall 163, a toe hook 141, an inboardwall 171/173 that may at least partially house a vehicle component, anda rearward wall 230 that may partially house a vehicle component. Thetoe stop 140 may be removably secured to one or more components,including, but not limited to, the foot support member 124, the forwardframe 312, the bottom-out protector 148, the support member 122, theheat exchanger end cap 178, the body panels 400, 402, and the tunnel104. For example, the toe stop 140 may be removably secured to mountingfeatures 135/137 of the foot support member 124 (see e.g., FIGS. 21A-B,31, 87B, 99B, and 101 ). The toe stop 140 may also be removably securedto mounting features 424/426 of the bottom-out protector 148 (see e.g.FIGS. 27B, 44 ). Accordingly, the flange portions at the forward end ofthe foot support member 124 defining the mounting features 135/137 maybe positioned between the bottom flange 176 of the toe stop 140 and themounting features 424/426 of the bottom-out protector 148.

Optionally, the toe stop 140 includes one or more ribs 153/179 (seee.g., FIGS. 80A, and 92B). One or more ribs 179 may be located on theforward surface of the forward wall 163. One or more ribs 153 may belocated on the inboard surface of inboard wall 171/173 and/or theforward surface of the rearward wall 230. In one aspect, the ribs153/179 strengthen areas of the walls 163/171/173/230 where openings144/162/175/231 are located. The toe stop 140 may be removably securedto one or more components, including, but not limited to, the footsupport member 124, the forward frame 312, the bottom-out protector 148,the support member 122, the heat exchanger end cap 178, and the tunnel104.

The bottom flange 176 forms a bottom surface of the toe stop 140. Thebottom flange 176 may have a zig-zag configuration (see e.g., FIGS. 79Band 93B). In some implementations, the bottom flange 176 is wider thanin other implementations. In some embodiments, the rearward end regionof the bottom flange 176, adjacent to the rearward wall 230, is narrowerthan the other regions (see e.g., FIGS. 77B and 79B). In someembodiments, the bottom flange 176 has a narrow portion between twowider portions (see e.g., FIG. 93B). The bottom flange 176 includes oneor more apertures or slots 165 that are aligned with the mountingfeatures 135/137 of the foot support member 124 to receive a fastener142 for removably coupling the toe stop 140 to the running boardassembly 120 (see e.g., FIGS. 31 and 71 ). Slots 165 may be U-shaped.The location of one or more of the slots 165 may differ betweenembodiments of the toe stop 140 (e.g., compare the positions of theinboard, rearward slot 165 a in FIGS. 79B and 93B) to account for thedifferent positions of the foot support member 124 in the differentrunning board assemblies 120A, 120B. In one non-limiting example, theslot has a diameter of 5 mm to receive a fastener with a 10 mm diameterhead. The bottom flange 176 may extend from the rearward wall 230, theinboard wall 171/173, and/or the forward wall 163 (see e.g., FIG. 72 ).In at least one embodiment, an opening 177 is defined by the bottomflange 176, and the flange portion 129 of the foot support member 124.The opening 177 is positioned below the toe pocket 222 defined by thetoe stop 140. Although the opening 177 is shown as being defined by thetoe stop 140 and the foot support member 124, it is to be understoodthat the opening 177 may be entirely defined by the toe stop 140, or theopening may be entirely defined by the foot support member 124.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 71 - 73 , the toe stop 140 may bepositioned with the bottom flange 176 positioned over the flange at theforward end of the foot support member 124 with the slots 165 a/b of thetoe stop 140 aligned with the openings or mounting features 135/137defined by the foot support member 124 flange to receive the fasteners142 to removably secure the toe stop 140 thereto. As shown in FIGS. 86Band 87B, one of the openings 135 in the foot support member 124 flange(covered by the bottom-out protector) may be positioned forward of thetrack drive shaft axis of rotation 350, and opening 137 may bepositioned rearward of the track drive shaft axis of rotation 350. Forexample, the outboard portion of the foot support member 124 may extendforward of the track drive shaft axis of rotation 350, and the inboardside of the foot support member 124 may be positioned rearward of thetrack drive shaft axis of rotation 350. Similarly, one of the slots 165b on the toe stop 140 (corresponding to the opening 135) may bepositioned forward of the track drive shaft axis of rotation 350 and theslot 165 a (corresponding to the opening 137) may be positioned rearwardof the track drive shaft axis of rotation 350, and both may bepositioned outboard of the inboard wall 171. Accordingly spacing isprovided for the inboard wall 171 of the toe stop 140 to define achamber for housing one or more vehicle components while still providingsufficient spacing for the opening 177 to be defined by the toe stop 140and the foot support member 124 to allow snow to pass therethrough. Inanother non-limiting example as shown in FIG. 101 , the mountingfeatures 135/137 of the foot support member 124 and the openings 165a/165 b of the toe stop 140 may all be positioned rearward of the trackdrive shaft axis of rotation 350. As described in detail below, thebottom-out protector 148 may be removably secured to the underside ofthe foot support member 124 flange and removably secured thereto todefine the opening 177 on the underside of the foot support member 124(see e.g., FIGS. 31, 57, 86B, and 101 ) that is aligned with the opening177 partially defined by the toe stop 140.

In an illustrative example, the slots 165 a, 165 b of the toe stop 140(for use with the running board assembly 120A) may be positioned furtheroutboard from the inboard wall 173 and/or other features on the toe stop140. In addition to, or alternatively, the slots 165 a, 165 b (and theflange 176) of the pair of toe stops 140 c, 140 d (for use with runningboard assembly 120A) may be positioned further outboard from the inboardwall 173 and/or other features on the toe stop 140 than the slots 165 a,165 b of the pair of toe stops 140 a, 140 b (for use with the runningboard assembly 120B). Changing the location of such features between thepairs of the toe stops 140 allows for the toe stops 140 to be compatiblewith common components, such as the forward frame 312, between thesnowmobile of FIG. 1 and the snowmobile of FIG. 8 , as well as withcomponents that are not common or commonly configured (such as therunning board assemblies 120A and 120B) between the snowmobile of FIG. 1and the snowmobile of FIG. 8 .

In an illustrative example as shown in FIGS. 74, 77B, 78B and 91A, theoutboard wall 197 is positioned at least partially forward of the bottomflange 176 of the toe stop 140. The outboard wall 197 may have a shapethat is configured to extend along the toe pocket 222 and include a sidepanel interface 154 that may be at least partially overlapped by thebody paneling 400 and optionally the skid plate 402. The outboard wall197 may be configured in a V-shape (see e.g., FIGS. 78A-7B). Forexample, the apex of the V may be oriented towards the outboard side ofthe snowmobile 100 (see e.g., lines 36 and 37 of FIG. 96A). The sidepanel interface 154 includes a first portion 198 and a second portion199 extending forward from the first portion 198 and forward of the toepocket 222 defined by the toe stop 140 (see e.g., FIG. 27A). One or moreribs 152 extend out from the second portion 199 that is overlapped byone or both of the body paneling 400 and the skid plate 402. The ribs152 may extend outboard for different lengths (see e.g., FIG. 83B).

Optionally, the outboard wall 197 may include a feature for removablysecuring the body panel 400 and/or the skid plate 402 thereto. In anillustrative example, the feature may be a mounting point 155 oraperture that is positioned below the bottom rib 152 along the outboardwall 197. The mounting point 155 may be configured to receive a U-clip(see e.g., FIG. 89 ) that is coaxially aligned with an aperture definedin the mounting point 155. A fastener 321 may be utilized to removablycouple the toe stop 140 and the body panel 400 and/or the skid plate 402together. A skid plate interface 156 extends forward from the firstportion 198 and may be positioned below the mounting point 155 (seee.g., FIGS. 26, 27A, and 30 ). In some implementations, aninterior/inboard face of the skid plate 402 overlaps and/or directlycontacts the skid plate interface 156 (see e.g., FIG. 85A).

When the toe stop 140 is coupled to the snowmobile 100, the firstportion 198 is visible 198 while the second portion 199 including theinterfaces 154/156 is positioned behind the body panel 400 and/or theskid plate 402 and is not visible, or only partially visible, whenviewed from the side (see e.g., FIGS. 85A-B and 98A-B). The firstportion 198 is positioned along the length of the vehicle between thebody panel 400 and the support member 122. In some implementations, theone or more ribs 152 abut the inboard (inner) surface of the body panel400 - in other words, the body panel 400 rests on the one or more ribs152. In one aspect, the space between adjacent ribs 152 and the bodypanel 400 provide a passageway for air to vent, e.g., underhood hot airmay vent (see e.g., FIG. 76 ). In a non-limiting example, the ribs 152provide a standoff between the toe stop 140 and the body paneling 400 todefine a gap therebetween that is a ventilation feature positionedoutboard of the toe pocket 222 for air to flow out of the enginecompartment and/or the belt case assembly 354 covered by the bodypaneling 400 and/or the toe stop 140. As the first portion 198 extendsrearward and outboard of the second portion 199, the air flowing out ofthe gap defined by the toe stop 140 and the body panel 140 deflects offthe first portion 198 and flows outboard away from the rider’s envelope

The forward wall 163 at least partially defines the toe pocket 222 andseparates the toe pocket 222 from the engine compartment. The forwardwall 163 may include a lower wall that extends forward and upward fromthe bottom flange 176, and an upper wall that extends forward anddownward from an upper panel 240 of the toe stop 140 (that is positionedforward of the toe grip 141) at least partially forward of the supportmember 122 and the mounting point 317 of the forward frame 312 tointersect the lower wall. The forward wall 163 may form a V-shape withthe apex positioned forward (just below the openings 144) and the openend facing rearward (see e.g., FIG. 77B). The forward wall 163 may formthe rearward side of the outboard wall 197 (see e.g., FIG. 74 ). Asshown in FIGS. 74, and 78A-78B, the forward wall 163 may extend inboardfrom the outboard wall 197 to the inboard wall 171. As discussed above,the forward wall 163 may include one or more openings 144. The openings144 may extend horizontally from the outboard wall 197 to the inboardwall 171, may optionally only be provided in the upper wall of theforward wall 163. Placement of the openings 144 at the upper portion ofthe toe pocket 222 allows warm air to flow downward from the enginecompartment or belt casing 354 and across the toe pocket 222 whileinhibiting snow from entering the engine compartment.

In some implementations, the toe stop 140 is an abutment for one or morecomponents of the running board assembly 120. For example, a portion ofthe forward wall 163 and/or the outboard wall 197 may form a channel 161with a rearward facing support face 167 for the support member 122 (seee.g., FIG. 73 ). In other words, the support member 122 is positionedadjacent to the rearward side of the forward wall 163 and/or outboardwall 197 along the support face 167. As illustrated for example, inFIGS. 85A-85B, when the toe stop 140 is coupled to the snowmobile 100,the support member 122 extends along the forward end of the foot supportmember 124 where it is received by the toe stop 140 along the lower andupper portions of the rearward facing side of the toe stop 140 (alongsupport face 167). The support member 122 is positioned in the verticalchannel 161 as the support tube 122 extends upward and rearward from itsforwardmost point of the forward wall 163 before extending inboardthrough the clearance feature 160 to where it is inserted in the end ofthe rearward leg 326 or 338 and removably secured thereto with thefastener 125 at the mounting point 317 of the forward frame 312. In someembodiments, the rearward leg 326, 338 may be referred to as a tubeextending downward and rearward from the steering column mount. Thesupport member 122 may be exposed on the outboard side 127 - in otherwords it is not covered by a body panel 400, or toe stop 140. Thesupport member 122 may form a continuous tube with the rearward leg 326,338, the continuous tube may extend from the steering column mount tothe rear suspension component 192. In some embodiments, the supportmember 122 (also referred to as a “member” or “tube”) may be secured tothe rear suspension component 192. The rear suspension component 192 maybe a component of a rear suspension 111 of the snow vehicle, the rearsuspension component 192 connected with a skid rail 115. In someembodiments, the rear suspension 111 may include a rear arm 117pivotally secured to the skid rail 115. The support member 122 mayinclude a forward portion 360, including a base 362 positioned outboardfrom a lower edge of the side panel of the tunnel 104, a vertical leg364 extending upward from the base 362, and a horizontal leg 366extending inboard from the vertical leg 364. The horizontal leg 366 maydefines a first end that is secured to the forward frame 312 at themounting point 317. The support member 122 may include a rearwardportion 370 including a rear base 372 and a leg 374. The rear base 372may be positioned outboard from a lower edge of a side panel of thetunnel 104, and the leg 374 may include an end that extends inboard fromthe rear base 372 and is operably secured to the rear suspensioncomponent 192.

The toe stop 140 may include one or more features such as a toe hook 141(see e.g., FIG. 74 ) positioned in and/or above the toe pocket 222 thatprovides a grip for the rider’s foot. In one aspect, since the toe hook141 is a part of the unitary toe stop 140, the toe hook 141 is notdirectly fastened to the frame. In another aspect, since the toe stop140 is polymeric composite material, the toe stop 140 is not a metaltube, stamped or formed part like a conventional toe stop. In at leastone embodiment, the toe hook 141 includes a curved bottom (see e.g.,FIG. 81A). In some implementations, the toe hook 141 when viewed from aninboard side includes a recess and a triangular shaped rear wallextending upward from the recess (see e.g., FIG. 80B). The recess of thetoe hook 141 as shown in FIG. 90B may have a rectangular or U shape thatproduces a rectangular or U shape for the took hook 141 as shown in FIG.90A.

In at least one embodiment, the toe hook 141 is adjacent to a panel 168that extends inboard therefrom. In some implementations, the toe hook141 includes an angled edge 234 that extends from the outboard end ofthe upper edge of panel 168 downward and inward towards the inboard wall171 (see e.g., FIG. 78A). In one example, the rearward side of the toehook 141 is an extension of the panel 168 (see also FIG. 78B). In otherimplementations, the toe hook 141 is positioned under the panel 168 (seee.g., FIGS. 90A and 92A) and the panel 168 extends upward and rearwardtherefrom. The toe hook 141 may be at least partially positionedrearward of the forward wall 163. The forward wall 163 may extendfurther outboard than the toe hook 141 (see e.g., FIGS. 78A, 83A, and92A) to accommodate the forward end of the support member 122. In someimplementations, an upper panel 240 is positioned between the forwardwall 163 and the toe hook 141 (see e.g., FIG. 91A).

One or more of the outboard wall 197, the inboard wall 171/173, theforward wall 163, the upper panel 240, and the toe hook 141 may define atoe pocket 222 configured to receive at least the toe portion of therider’s foot. In some implementations, the bottom flange 176 and forwardwall 163 is substantially C-shaped, with an upper portion of the forwardwall 163 curving rearward to form a ceiling of the toe pocket 222 (seee.g., FIG. 31 ). In other implementations, the upper panel 240 extendsrearward from the forward wall 163 to the toe hook 141 to at leastpartially form the ceiling of the toe pocket 222 (see e.g., FIGS. 74 and77A). As shown in FIGS. 91A and 94A, at least a portion of the toe hook141 extends downward into the toe pocket 222 below the upper panel 240.

Optionally, a clearance feature 160 may be positioned forward of and/orabove the toe hook 141 (see e.g., FIG. 74 ) and rearward of the firstportion 198. The clearance feature 160 is sized to receive the supportmember 122 forward of the toe hook 141 (see e.g., FIG. 27A) so that thesupport member 122 extends inboard forward of the panel 168. In oneexample, the clearance feature 160 is a U-shaped slot. In someimplementations, the U-shaped clearance feature 160 is formed by thepanel 168, panel 240, and the outboard wall 197 (see e.g., FIGS. 74 and91A). The support member 122 may extend alongside and/or rest againstthe forward facing surface 166 of the panel 168 (see e.g., FIGS. 75 and88A).

The inboard wall 171/173 extends rearward from the forward wall 163. Inone aspect, an inboard surface of the inboard wall 171/173 defines atleast a portion of a chamber for receiving a vehicle component thereinand thereby separates the rider’s foot therefrom. In a non-limitingexample, the inboard wall 171 defines a chamber 228 that receives one ormore of a belt case assembly including, but not limited to, a belt, abottom drive sprocket or gear, a belt housing assembly 354, and a trackdrive shaft 352. Accordingly, the toe stop 140 can eliminate the needfor a separate housing components. For example, the belt case does notrequire a separate cover, which reduces the weight of the belt housingassembly 354 (see e.g., FIG. 28 ). A portion of the inboard wall 171maybe positioned under the toe hook 141 that extends outboard from theinboard wall.

In an illustrative example, inboard wall 173 may define a chamber 228that receives a brake component including, but not limited to, a trackdrive shaft, a rotor 351 and/or a caliper 353 (see e.g., FIG. 88A). Asshown in FIGS. 81A, 81B, 94A and 94B, the inboard wall 173 may define asecond chamber 229 that extends outboard to receive a portion of thebrake assembly or drive shaft therein. In one illustrative example, thesecond chamber 229 receives an end of the drive shaft 352. The shape ofthe inboard wall 171/173 and one or more other dimensions of the toestop 140 such as the width from inboard side to outboard side of the toestop 140 may differ depending on the drive shaft position of thesnowmobile 100 and/or the orientation of the foot support 124. Forexample, the toe stops 140 shown in FIGS. 77 and 81 may be part of therunning board assembly 120A of FIG. 7 wherein the track drive shaft ispositioned as shown in FIGS. 42A and 42B. The toe stops 140 shown inFIGS. 90 and 94 may be part of the running board assembly 120B of FIG.10 wherein the track drive shaft is positioned as shown in FIGS. 42C and42D. The inboard wall 171/173 may include one or more openings forventing. For example, the inboard wall 171 may include one or moreopenings 162 (see e.g., FIG. 90B). As another example, the inboard wall173 may include one or more openings 175 for venting the brake caliper(see e.g., FIG. 81A). As shown in FIG. 85B, the brake caliper 353 mayextend through the opening 175 and outboard of at least a portion of theinboard wall 173.

The inboard wall 171/173 may curve inboard to form the rearward wall 230(see e.g., FIGS. 73, 77A and 96A) that with the inboard wall 171/173 maydefine the chamber 228/229 for receiving the vehicle component therein(see e.g., FIGS. 78B, 81B, 83B, 87B). The inboard side of the rearwardwall 230 may be positioned adjacent the side panel 182 of the tunnel 104and/or the heat exchanger end cap 178 to form the chamber 228/229 withthe inboard wall 171/173 and the side panel 182 and/or heat exchangerend cap 178. The heat exchanger end cap 178 may include those describedin U.S. Provisional Pat. Application Serial No. 63/405,176 filed on Sep.9, 2022, and entitled “RECREATIONAL VEHICLE HEAT EXCHANGER END CAPS ANDASSEMBLY,” the contents of which are incorporated by reference in itsentirety. The rearward wall 230 may be shaped to conform with the shapeof the component that is housed in the chamber 228/229. In anillustrative example, the rearward wall 230 is shaped to conform withthe lower portion of the belt assembly 354 as shown in FIG. 29 . In someembodiments, the belt assembly 354 may include a chain assembly and maybe received by the toe stop 140 and the bottom out protector 148. Thebelt assembly 354 may include a separate cover from the toe stop 140 andthe bottom out protector 148. In another illustrative example, therearward wall 230 is shaped to conform to the shape of a brake rotor 351as shown in FIGS. 87B and 88A. The rearward wall 230 may include one ormore openings 231 (see e.g., FIG. 96A) for providing ventilation to thecomponent housed in the chamber 228/229.

The panel 168 may extend inboard from the toe hook 141 and be positionedabove the inboard wall 171/173. In some implementations, the rearwardsurface of the lower portion of the panel 168 abuts or otherwiseintersects the rearward surface of the toe hook 141 (see e.g., FIGS. 66and 74 ). The panel 168 may extend outboard from the inboard side of thetoe stop 140 at an angle that is different than the angle that the toehook 141 extends outboard from the inboard side 171/173. Accordingly,the inboard side of the panel 168 may be positioned rearward of theoutboard end of the panel 168 (see e.g., FIG. 66 ). The inboard side ofthe panel 168 may be positioned rearward of the toe hook 141, and theoutboard side of the panel 168 may intersect the toe hook 141. The panel168 may include one or more openings 169. Openings 169 may vent air fromthe engine bay 108. In one example, the panel 168 has three openings 169(see e.g., FIG. 75 ). In another example, the panel 168 has fouropenings 169 (see e.g., FIGS. 26 and 77 ). Optionally, one or more ribs170 may extend over the openings 169 (see e.g., FIG. 26 ). The ribs 170may be positioned on the forward side of the panel 168. In one aspect,the ribs 170 add strength to the panel 168.

The panel 168 may include an attachment feature 158 to couple the toestop 140 to the body panel 400 (see e.g., FIGS. 85A-85B). For example,the upper edge of the panel 168 may include the attachment feature. Insome implementations the attachment feature 158 is a hook feature -e.g., the panel 168 includes a hook feature configured to mate with ahook feature of the body panel 400. In other implementations, the panel168 includes a ledge surface configured for the bottom edge of the bodypanel 400 to rest upon. The attachment feature 158 may extend along theupper edge of the panel 168 from the outboard side to the inboard sideand is positioned forward of a frame mount member 150 extendingtherefrom.

The frame mount member 150 provides an aperture 151 or another featurefor removably securing the toe stop 140 to the forward frame 312. Theframe mount member 150 may extend upward from the upper portion of thepanel 168. In one example, the frame mount member 150 extends upward andforward from the panel 168 (see e.g., FIG. 27A). In someimplementations, the frame mount member 150 extends along only a portionof the upper end of the panel (see e.g., FIG. 66 ). In otherimplementations, the frame mount member 150 extends along a majority ofthe upper end of the panel 168 (see e.g., FIG. 71 ). In one example, theframe mount member 150 is positioned in the middle of the panel 168 (seee.g., FIG. 90 ). Optionally, the frame mount member 150 further includesone or more apertures 164 (see e.g., FIG. 71 ).

The frame mount member 150 may include one or more mounting apertures151. In one aspect, the toe stop 140 may be coupled to a mounting member327 of the forward frame 312 by the frame mount member 150. The mountingmember 327 is coupled to the rearward leg 326/338 and includes one ormore apertures 325 (see e.g., FIGS. 31 and 71 ). In an illustrativeexample, the mounting member 327 has a lower aperture 325 a, a middleaperture 325 b, and an upper aperture 325 c that may be utilized for theattachment of different snowmobile components, including the toe stop140. The frame mount member 150 may be positioned on the mounting member327 and a fastener 172 may extend through an aperture 151 in the framemount member 150 and through an aperture 325 in the mounting member 327(see e.g., FIG. 66 ). In an illustrative example, the toe stop 140 maybe attached via the lower aperture 325 a of the mounting member 327 anda guard member 355 may be attached via the middle aperture 325 b of themounting member 327 (see e.g., FIGS. 59, 66, and 88A). The frame mountmember 150 may be coupled to the rearward side of the mounting member327 (see also, FIGS. 27A, and 28 ). When the toe stop 140 is coupled toa snowmobile 100, the frame mount member 150 is positioned inside thechamber formed by the body panel 400 (see e.g., FIGS. 85A-85B and98A-98B) and the panel 168, so that it is not visible on the exterior ofthe snowmobile with the body panel 400 installed.

The toe stop 140 may include one or more sensor mount/mounting features143 for a sensor 145 (see, FIGS. 26, 27A, 79A-79B). The sensor mount 143may be located or otherwise accessible from the inboard surface of theinboard wall 171/173. In an illustrative example, the inboard wall 171may include a sensor mount 143 (se e.g., FIGS. 77A, 80A, 80B, 90A, 90B,and 91B). As shown in FIG. 26 , the sensor 145 may include a wire/cable183 and a connector 196 (see e.g., FIG. 29 ). In some embodiments, thesensor 145 is a speed sensor that detects movement of the track driveshaft or a component operably connected thereto. At least a portion ofthe sensor 145 may be fabricated from a polymeric material. Asillustrated in FIG. 26 , the mount 143 may define a channel on theinboard side of the inboard wall 171/173 with an open end at the top,and the sensor 145 may slide into the channel of the sensor mount 143through the opening at the top until the bottom of the sensor 145 issupported by the bottom/closed end of the channel of the sensor mount143. As shown in FIG. 86A, the sensor 145 is secured in the sensor mount143 opposite the track drive shaft 352 or a component of the belthousing assembly 354 to sense rotation or movement thereof for one ormore purposes, including, but not limited to, measuring or calculatingthe speed of the vehicle. A gap is provided between the sensor 145 andthe object being measured by the offset provided between the tunnel 104(or heat exchanger end cap 178) and the inboard wall 171/173 by therearward wall 230. In one aspect, the sensor mount 143 is configured toprovide a snug fit with the sensor 145 without mechanical fasteners - inother words by an interference fit. The sensor cable 183 may extend fromthe sensor mount 143 so that at least a portion of it is positionedinboard from the toe stop 140 and forward from the panel 168 and framemount member 150 (see also FIGS. 29 and 31 ). The sensor cable 183 maybe forward of the rearward leg 326. The sensor cable 183 may be furtherpositioned rearward of the belt housing assembly 354. In one aspect, thearrangement positions the sensor 145 outside the belt housing assembly354. In one aspect, the mount 143 extends from the inboard surface ofthe inboard wall 171/173 to position the sensor 145 at least partiallywithin the belt housing assembly 354 but spaced apart from any componentin the belt housing assembly 354 and supported only by the toe stopmount 140.

The position of the mount 143 and the sensor 145 on the inboard wall171/173 may depend on the location of the track drive shaft 352 and/orthe belt housing assembly 354. As shown from the inboard view of FIG.80A (and from the outboard view of FIG. 77B), the location of at least aportion of the toe hook 141 along the vehicle may overlap with a portionof the mount 143, and optionally the toe hook 141 overlaps with thetrack drive shaft 352 or the axis of rotation of the track drive shaft352 along the length of the vehicle when the track drive shaft 352 andbelt housing assembly 354 are provided in the position shown in FIGS.42A and 42B. As shown from the inboard view of FIG. 90B (and from theoutboard view of FIG. 90A), the location of at least a portion of thetoe hook 141 along the vehicle may positioned rearward of the mount 143,and optionally the toe hook 141 is positioned rearward of the trackdrive shaft 352 or the axis of rotation of the track drive shaft 352along the length of the vehicle when the track drive shaft 352 and belthousing assembly 354 are provided in the position shown in FIGS. 42C and42D. Accordingly, the position of the toe hook 141 with respect to theforward frame assembly 312 is maintained in the same location for thefirst snowmobile of FIG. 1 and the second snowmobile of FIG. 8 , eventhough different toe stops 140 are used. In both illustrative examples,the toe grip or hook 141 may be provided forward of the rearwardmostposition of the belt or the belt housing assembly 354. In addition to,or alternatively, the toe hook 141 may at least partially overlap thetrack drive shaft axis of rotation as evidenced by the chamber (orprojection) 229 as shown in FIG. 82A that receives the track drive shaft352 therein or be positioned entirely almost rearward of it as shown inFIG. 94A depending on the location of the track drive shaft 352.

The toe stop 140 may include a wire retaining feature 159, as shown inFIG. 80B, for one or more vehicle components. In some implementations,the wire retaining feature 159 forms a part of or is otherwise definedby a portion of the toe hook 141 (see also, FIG. 27A). The wireretaining feature 159 may comprise one or more fingers extending inboardfrom an inboard surface of the toe hook 141 to retain the wiretherebetween inside of the body panel 400. In other implementations, thewire retaining feature 159 forms a part of or is otherwise defined by aportion of the panel 240 positioned forward of the toe hook 141 andrearward of the outboard wall 197 (see e.g., FIG. 90A). In such anillustrative example, the wire retaining feature 159 may include on ormore fingers extending inboard from an inboard surface of the panel 240to retain the wire therebetween inside of the body panel 400, and may bepositioned along or beneath the clearance feature 160.

In some implementations, the wire retaining feature 159 is configured tohold and/or secure the position of one or more wires/cables 183 of thesensor 145 in the sensor mount 143. In one non-limiting example, thewire retaining feature 159 includes two keys or fingers to route thewire/cable 183 and retain it at that position. In one implementation,the wire retaining feature 159 includes an aperture on an outboard sideof the toe stop 140 so that a tool can access the wire retaining feature159 positioned on the inboard side of the toe stop 140 and secure thesensor wire/cable 183 to the wire retaining feature 159. As discussedabove, the belt case drive assembly 354 may not include a cover so, inone aspect, the wire retaining feature 159 positions the sensorwire/cable 183 away from the drive train 112.

In an illustrative example, the toe stop 140 includes a wire guide 157.The channel 157 may be included in a wall 232 that extends rearward fromthe inboard wall 171/173 and/or the rearward wall 230. The channel 157is partially defined by the side panel 182 of the tunnel 104 or the heatexchanger end cap 178 when the wall 232 is positioned thereagainst. Thechannel 157 includes an open end at a forward end of the wall 232 sothat a wire or other item can be routed from inside the region enclosedby the toe stop 140 and the body panel 400 through the open end andrearward along the side panel 182 or the end cap 178. An aperture isprovided in the side panel 182 or the end cap 178 for routing the wiringto, for example, a suspension component. In some implementations, thewire guide 157 guides, locates, protects, and/or secures a wireextending from the main harness to the rear suspension. The wire guide157 may be a channel in a panel/wall 232 extending from the rearwardwall 230 (see e.g., FIGS. 74 and 75 ).

In at least one embodiment, method 200 further includes attaching a toestop to the foot support member. In a non-limiting example, the methodincludes attaching a first pair of toe stops 140 (as shown in FIGS. 77Aand 81A) to a common forward frame assembly 312 for use with thesnowmobile of FIG. 1 , and attaching a second pair of toe stops 140 (asshown in FIGS. 90A and 94A) to a common forward frame assembly 312 foruse with the second snowmobile of FIG. 8 . The first pair of toe stops140 and the second pair of toe stops 140 may include one or morefeatures commonly positioned with respect to the forward frame assembly312 (in the same location for both pairs) including, but not limited to,the frame mount member 150, the toe hook 141, the side panel interface154, the mounting point 155, the skid plate interface 156, and theattachment feature 158. In a non-limiting example, one or more featuresmay be positioned differently with respect to the forward frame assembly312 (in different locations for the pairs) including, but not limitedto, the chambers 228, 229, the sensor mount 143, and slots 165 a and 165b. In a non-limiting example, the width of the rearward facing supportface 167 may be different between the two pairs.

As discussed above with reference to FIGS. 13, 27B, and 30 , bottom-outprotectors 148 may be provided. The bottom-out protectors may beconfigured to inhibit the transfer of forces directly to the chassis102. A first embodiment of a pair of bottom-out protectors 148 a/148 bwith one or more of the features described below is illustrated in FIGS.102-115 . A second embodiment of a pair of bottom-out protectors 148c/148 d with one or more of the features described below is illustratedin FIGS. 116-125 . The figures illustrate the bottom-out protectors 148from the front/forward side 10, rear/rearward side 12, the top 14, thebottom 16, the outboard side 127, and the inboard side 128.

In one aspect, the bottom-out protector 148 is unitary/one-piececonstruction. The material utilized to form the bottom-out protector 148may be tough and/or ductile. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is anon-limiting example of a material that may be utilized for thebottom-out protector 148. In some implementations, the unitarybottom-out protector 148 is a molded material. In other implementations,the bottom-out protector 148 is fabricated from a metal material. As onenon-limiting example, the bottom-out protector 148 may be fabricatedfrom a metallic billet, e.g., an aluminum or aluminum alloy billet. Inanother aspect, the bottom-out protector 148 may be a right or belt sidebottom-out protector 148 a/148 c (positioned under the rider’s rightfoot) that is shaped to receive the lowest portion of the belt housing354 therein and a left or brake side bottom-out protector 148 b/148 d(positioned under the rider’s left foot) that is shaped to receive atleast a portion of the brake rotor 351 therein (see e.g., FIGS. 115A-B).As discussed below in greater detail, the right and left bottom-outprotectors 148 a/148 c, 148 b/148 d may have different shapes. Inanother aspect, as discussed below in greater detail, the bottom-outprotectors 148 couples/ties/interconnects together one or morecomponents of the snowmobile.

The bottom-out protector 148 may include one or more of the followingfeatures: a bottom wall 410, an inboard outer wall 404 extending upwardfrom the bottom wall 410, an outboard outer wall 407 extending upwardfrom the bottom wall 410, an outward support member 414/415 extendingoutboard from the outboard outer wall 407, and one or more mountingfeatures to couple the bottom-out protector 148 to one or morecomponents of a snowmobile (see e.g., FIGS. 27B and 102 ).

The front end of the bottom wall 410 may form at least a portion of theforward end of the bottom-out protector 148 and the rear end of thebottom wall 410 may form at least a portion of the rearward end of thebottom-out protector 148 (see e.g., FIGS. 103A and 120 ). In someimplementations, one end of the bottom wall 410 is wider than the otherend (see e.g., FIG. 102 , 106A, 116A). The width at the narrower end maytaper (see e.g., FIGS. 122A-B) or may decrease in a stepped manner (seee.g., FIG. 106A). The bottom wall 410 may be curved (see e.g., FIG.104A, 107A). In at least one embodiment the inner (upper) surface of thebottom wall 410 is curved (see e.g., FIG. 102 , 106A). The curve of thebottom wall 410 may conform to the shape of the bottom of a componentthat is housed therein, such as the lowermost portion of the belthousing 354 or the brake rotor, 351 and/or the curve of the bottom edgeof the end cap 178 of the heat exchanger assembly 174 (see e.g., FIGS.129A-B), or the bottom edge of the side panel 182 of the tunnel 104. Insome implementations when the track drive shaft 352 is in the locationshown in FIGS. 42C and 42D, the apex of the curve is positioned in themiddle of the bottom-out protector 148 (see e.g., FIG. 108A) toaccommodate the location of the belt housing 354 and the brake rotor351. In other implementations when the track drive shaft 352 is in thelocation shown in FIGS. 42A and 42B, the apex of the curve is positionedrearward of the middle of the bottom-out protector 148 (see e.g., FIG.117A) to accommodate the location of the belt housing 354 and the brakerotor 351. The belt housing (and assembly thereof), the track driveshaft 352, and the brake rotor 351 may include those described in U.S.Pat. Application Serial No. 17/588, 487, entitled ADJUSTABLE BELT DRIVEASSEMBLY, SYSTEM AND METHOD, filed Jan. 31, 2022, which is commonlyowned and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In at leastone embodiment, the bottom wall 410 extending forward from the apex ofthe curve is curved (see e.g., FIG. 104B). In some embodiments, thebottom wall 410 extending forward from the apex of the curve is linearor substantially linear (see e.g., FIG. 117A).

In at least one embodiment, the bottom wall 410 includes one or moremounting features 418/420 with an aperture for mounting the bottom-outprotector 148 to a snowmobile. For example, a fastener 434 extendingupwards through the rearward mounting feature 418 may couple thebottom-out protector 148 to the chassis 102 and/or the heat exchangerend cap 178 of a snowmobile 100 (see e.g., FIG. 27A and FIG. 128 ). AU-clip 432 may be positioned above the upper surface of the rearwardmounting feature 418 (see e.g., FIG. 102 ). In some implementations asshown in FIG. 128 , the heat exchanger end cap 178 includes anintegrated mount 452 extending outward therefrom to couple the heatexchanger assembly 174 to the rearward mounting feature 418 (see also,FIGS. 27B, 44 , 101, 111, 124 and 125). The mount 452 may include aforward opening 451 for coupling to the bottom-out protector 148 with aremovable fastener and a rearward opening 453 for coupling to themounting surface 186 of the support bracket 184 and/or foot supportmember 124 with a removable fastener. For example, the mounting surface186 and the foot support member 124 are both secured with a fastener tothe rearward opening 453 when part of the running board assembly 120B,and only the mounting surface is secured with a fastener to the rearwardopening 453 when part of the running board assembly 120A.

A fastener 434 extending upwards through the forward mounting feature420 may couple the bottom-out protector 148 to the chassis 102 (e.g.,the forward frame assembly 312/forward frame 312) and/or the skid plate402 (see e.g., FIGS. 115B and 125 ). For example, a portion of theforward frame assembly 312, such as the metal sheet 320/334, may includean outboard extending flange 335 with a tab 336 for coupling with thebottom-out protector 148 (see e.g., FIG. 27B, 101, and 128). The U-clip432 positioned above the upper surface of the mounting feature 418 maybe positioned around the tab 336. The fastener 434 extends through theaperture of the mounting feature 418/420, through the U-clip 432 andinto the other component of the snowmobile (see e.g., FIGS. 27A and 112, see also FIGS. 57A and 111 ). As shown in FIG. 126 , the tab 336 mayextend outward from below a point where the lower frame member 332 iswelded or otherwise secured to the metal sheet 320/334 to provideadditional rigidity to the chassis in the region of the tab 336. This isone example of how the bottom-out protector 148 ties together differentcomponents. Although shown and described as securing the front 10 of thebottom-out protector 148 to the forward frame 312, it is to beunderstood that the front 10 of the bottom-out protector 148 may besecured to the heat exchanger end cap 178 instead of the forward frameassembly 312.

The bottom-out protector 148 may be provided with one or more horizontalinterior ribs 411 that extend upward from the inner surface of thebottom wall (see e.g., FIGS. 116A and 120 ). In at least one embodiment,the interior ribs 411 are positioned in the forward half of thebottom-out protector 148. In one non-limiting example, there are tworibs 411. The ribs 411 may be oriented perpendicular to the walls404/406/407 or at an angle to the walls 404/406/407. In someimplementations, the ribs 411 extend between the outboard outer wall 407and an interior wall 406. In one aspect, the one or more ribs 411provide additional support to the bottom-out protector.

The bottom wall 410 may include one or more drains 412 to drainfluid/moisture from the bottom-out protector 148 (see e.g., FIGS. 27Aand 103A). In one example, the bottom-out protector 148 has two drains412. The entrance to the one or more drains 412 is defined by channelsextending rearward to exit openings defined by a drain wall 413. Thechannels extend from the interior surface of the bottom wall 410 to theouter surface of the bottom wall 410 and through the drain wall 413 tothe exit openings. The channels may include a forward end positioned ina lower, or lowest, point of the bottom wall 410 so that fluid may draindownward to the rearward end of the channel and out of the bottom-outprotector 148. In some embodiments, the exit opening of the drain 412faces rearward (see e.g., FIGS. 104B and 116A). The bottom wall 410 maycurve downward to form a drain wall 413 (see e.g., FIGS. 103A-B). Insome embodiments, the drain wall 413 is positioned above and parallel toa horizontal line 20 tangent to the bottom curve of the bottom wall 410(see e.g., FIGS. 104B and 108B). Positioning of the exit openings of thedrains 412 rearward and above or at least partially above the lowestportion of the bottom-out protector 148 shields the exit openings of thedrains 412 from snow and other materials as the snowmobile travelsforward. In other embodiments, the drain wall 413 is positioned on aline 22 extending along an upward extending linear section of the bottomwall 410 (see e.g., FIGS. 117A and 121A). In one aspect, a downwardoriented drain 412 aids the drainage of fluid/moisture from thebottom-out protector 148. Positioning of the exit openings of the drains412 rearward and above the lower (forward facing) portion of the drainwall 413 directs snow away from the exit openings and shields theopenings of the drains 412 from snow and other materials as thesnowmobile travels forward. In some implementations, the drains 412 arecentered between the outer walls 404/407 (see e.g., FIG. 109A) so thateach drain is positioned approximately the same distance from theadjacent outer wall 404/407 of the bottom-out protector. In otherimplementations, one of the drains 412 is positioned closer to theadjacent outer wall, for example, the outboard wall 407 - in otherwords, the drains 412 are not centered between the outer walls 404/407(see e.g., FIG. 119B). In some implementations, the one or more drains412 are positioned adjacent to the middle of the bottom-out protector148 (see e.g., FIG. 103A). In other implementations, the one or moredrains 412 are positioned adjacent to a rear end 12 of the bottom-outprotector 148 (see e.g., FIG. 122B). As shown in FIGS. 111 and 125 , theexit openings of the drains 412 may be positioned along the length ofthe vehicle rearward of the track drive shaft, optionally rearward ofthe forward end of the opening 177, and optionally forward of therearward end of the opening 177.

The inboard outer wall 404 is positioned opposite the outboard outerwall 407. In some implementations, the inboard outer wall 404 isperpendicular to the bottom wall 410 (see e.g., FIG. 109B). The upperedge of the inboard outer wall 404 may have a curved configuration. Inone implementation, the curve of the top edge of the inboard outer wall404 may be different from the curve of the bottom wall 410 (see also,FIG. 108B). In some implementations, the vertical height of the inboardouter wall 404 varies. In other implementations, the vertical height ofthe inboard outer wall 404 is substantially the same along the length ofthe inboard outer wall 404 (see e.g., FIG. 117B). In some embodiments,one or more portions of the inboard outer wall 404, such as the frontand rear portions, extend above the outboard wall 407 - in other words,when viewed from an outboard side 127, the inboard outer wall 404 isvisible (see e.g., FIGS. 104A, 108A, 117A).

An interior wall 406 may be positioned between the outer walls 404/407and extends upward from the bottom wall 410 (see e.g., FIG. 102 ). Insome embodiments, the interior wall 406 is positioned closer to theinboard outer wall 404 than to the outboard outer wall 407. In at leastone embodiment, a forward end of the interior wall 406 is positionedrearward of a forward end of the bottom wall 410 and a rearward end ofthe interior wall 406 is positioned forward of a rearward end of thebottom wall 410. In some embodiments, the interior wall 406 ispositioned between the forward mounting feature 420 and the rearwardmounting feature 418. The interior wall 406 may extend parallel to theinboard outer wall 404 and/or the outboard outer wall 407. In at leastone embodiment, the height of the interior wall 406 is at most equal tothe height of the inboard outer wall 404. In some implementations, theheight of the interior wall 406 varies (see e.g., FIGS. 102 and 120 ).In one non-limiting example, the height of the interior wall 406 tapersat one end (see e.g., FIG. 102 ). In some implementations, the upperedge of the interior wall 406 has the same curve configuration as theinboard outer wall 404.

In at least one embodiment, the interior wall 406 and the inboard outerwall 404 form a mounting feature or a chamber 409 for receiving aportion of the snowmobile therein. For example, the interior wall 406 onone side is positioned adjacent the inboard wall 404 on the other side(see e.g., FIG. 103B) to define a gap comprising a channel or chamber409 therebetween. When the bottom-out protector 148 is coupled to thesnowmobile, a portion of another component of the snowmobile may beplaced/inserted into the channel. For example, of the lower end of aheat exchanger end cap 178 may be inserted in the channel 409 (see e.g.,FIGS. 112 and 114 ). As another example, a portion of the forward frameassembly 312 may be inserted into the channel 409, e.g., metal sheet320/334. As another example, a lower end of the side panel 182 of thetunnel 104 may be inserted into the channel 409. When the side panel 182or the heat exchanger end cap 178 is inserted into the channel 409 asshown in FIGS. 58, 71 , at least a portion of the inboard side of theinterior wall extends along an outboard surface of the side panel 182 orthe heat exchanger end cap 178, and the outboard side of the inboardwall 404 extends along an inboard surface of the side panel 182 or theheat exchanger end cap 178 as shown in FIGS. 65, 86A and 127 . This isanother example of how the bottom-out protector 148 ties togetherdifferent components when coupled to a snowmobile 100. As shown in FIGS.40A and 40B, the heat exchanger end cap 178 may be provided with acurved surface along the rearward end of the bottom edge 468. Thechannel defined by the interior wall 406 and the inboard wall 404 may beshaped to conform to the curved surface and receive the curved surface(and regions forward and rearward thereof) in the channel to shield thislow point on the vehicle during operation (see e.g., FIGS. 112-114 ,115A, 127-128, and 129B). As shown in FIGS. 40A and 89 , a curvedsurface 357 at the rearward end of the heat exchanger end cap 178extends downward from the adjacent outer perimeter 318 of the forwardframe 312.

In at least one embodiment, another component of the snowmobile 100 maybe positioned in a chamber 409 defined by one or more of the bottom wall410, the interior wall 406, and the outboard outer wall 407 (see e.g.,FIGS. 29, 100A-B). For example, a component of the belt housing 354 maybe positioned in the chamber 409 above the bottom wall 410 (see e.g.,FIG. 29 ).

In some embodiments, the outboard outer wall 407 is comprises of twooffset lengths extending parallel to the inboard outer wall 404 and aconnecting portion extending between the two parallel lengths (see e.g.,FIG. 103A). The outboard wall 407 may extend upwards from the bottomwall 410 at a non-perpendicular angle (see e.g., FIG. 109A).

In at least one embodiment, the outward support member 414/415 extendsfrom the front 10 to the rear 12 of the bottom-out protector 148 (seee.g., FIGS. 102, 103A, 116A, and 122A). In some embodiments, the outwardsupport member 414/415 extends from the upper edge of the outboard outerwall 407. In some implementations, the outward support member 414/415includes a narrow section between a forward outboard support member 414and a rearward outboard support member 415 (see e.g., FIG. 106A). Inthese implementations, the outward support member 414/415 appears to bediscontinuous. In other implementations, the section between the forwardoutboard support member 414 and a rearward outboard support member 415is wide so that the outward support member 414/415 is continuous (seee.g., FIG. 116A).

The outboard edge of the outward support member 414/415 may have curvedcorners and/or sharp corners. In one non-limiting example, the cornersin a forward portion of the outward support member 414/415 are curvedwhile the corners in a rearward portion are sharp (see e.g., FIGS. 103Aand 122A). The outward support member 414/415 may extend upwards fromthe outboard outer wall 407 (see e.g., FIG. 109A). In one aspect, theoutward support member 414/415 supports the foot support member 124and/or the toe stop 140. The corner between the outboard wall 407 to theoutward support member 414/415 may be curved or sharp. For example, theexterior corner between the inner surface of the outboard wall 407 andthe upper surface of the outward support member 414 may be curved (seee.g., FIG. 106A) while the interior corner is sharp (see e.g., FIG.103A).

As discussed above, an opening 177 is defined by the foot support member124, the toe stop 140, and/or the bottom out protector 148, and/orcombinations thereof. In at least one embodiment, the outward supportmember 414/415 is configured to at least partially define the opening177 (see e.g., FIG. 111 ).

The outward support member 414/415 includes one or more mountingfeatures 424/426/430 with an aperture for mounting the bottom-outprotector 148 to a snowmobile 100 (see e.g., FIGS. 102 and 122A). Themounting features 424/426/430 may be configured to receive a U-clip 432(see e.g., FIG. 102 ). Mounting feature 426 may be positioned adjacentto the rearward end of the bottom-out protector 148 and inboard tomounting features 424/430. Mounting feature 426 may further bepositioned outboard to the rearward mounting feature 418. Mountingfeature 424 may be positioned outboard to mounting feature 430. In anillustrative example, the mounting feature 424 (and the outward supportmembers 414) of the pair of bottom-out protectors 148 c and 148 d (foruse with running board assembly 120A) may be positioned further outboardfrom the mounting feature 430 and/or other feature on the bottom-outprotector 148 (such as the forward mounting feature 420 and/or therearward mounting feature 418) than the mounting feature 424 (and theoutward support member 414) of the pair of bottom-out protectors 148 aand 148 b (for use with running board assembly 120B). In addition to, oralternatively, the mounting feature 426 (and the outward support member415) of the pair of bottom-out protectors 148 c and 148 d (for use withrunning board assembly 120A) may be positioned further outboard from theforward mounting feature 420 and/or the rearward mounting feature 418(other feature on the bottom-out protector 148) than the mountingfeature 426 (and the outward support member 415) of the pair ofbottom-out protectors 148 a and 148 b (for use with the running boardassembly 120B). Changing the location of such features between the pairsof the bottom-out protectors 148 allows for the bottom-out protectors148 to be compatible with common components, such as the forward frame312, between the snowmobile of FIG. 1 and the snowmobile of FIG. 8 , aswell as with components that are not common or commonly configured (suchas the running board assemblies 120A and 120B) between the snowmobile ofFIG. 1 and the snowmobile of FIG. 8 . Mounting feature 424 may befurther positioned rearward of mounting feature 430 and forward ofmounting feature 426. In one example, two mounting features 424/426 areoriented outboard and one mounting feature 430 is oriented forward (seee.g., FIG. 102 ). In another example, one mounting feature is orientedoutboard, one mounting feature is oriented forward, and a third mountingfeature is oriented at an angle to a rear end of the bottom-outprotector 148 (see e.g., FIG. 122A).

In one example, the forward outboard support member 414 has two mountingfeatures 424/430 and the rearward outboard support member 415 has onemounting feature 426 (see e.g., FIG. 102 ). Mounting features 424/430 onthe forward outboard support member 414 may be positioned adjacent oneanother, as best shown in FIG. 102 , or positioned apart from oneanother, as best shown in FIG. 116A. Mounting features 424/430 may bepositioned in a middle region of the bottom-out protector 148 in outwardsupport member 414.

The mounting features 424/426/430 of the outward support member 414/415are another example of how the bottom-out protector 148 is configured tocouple/tie/interconnect components of a snowmobile together. In someimplementations, the mounting features 424/426/430 may couple thebottom-out protector 148 to one or more components of the running boardassembly 120, the toe stop 140, and/or the skid plate 402 (see e.g.,FIGS. 44, 57, 71-72, 75, and 115B). When the bottom-out protector 148 iscoupled to the snowmobile, mounting feature 430 may be positionedforward of at least the lower wall of the forward wall 163 of the toestop 140 and mount 424 is positioned rearward of the forward wall 163 ofthe toe stop 140 (see e.g., FIGS. 86B, 87A, 100A, and 100B). Forexample, mounting features 424/426 may interconnect the bottom-outprotector 148, the support bracket 184, one or more components of therunning board assembly 120, and/or the toe stop 140, and mountingfeature 430 may interconnect the bottom-out protector 148 and the skidplate 402. Additionally, as discussed above, the channel defined by theinner wall 406 and the inboard outer wall 404 further interconnects thebottom-out protector 148, the running board assembly 120, the toe stop140, and the skid plate 402, to the chassis 102, the heat exchangerassembly 178 and/or tunnel 104.

The bottom-out protector 148 may include one or more features thatprovide support to one or more components in the region of the toepocket 222. In an illustrative example, one or more ribs 416 may extendalong the bottom surface of the outward support member 414/415 from theoutboard wall 407 (see e.g., FIGS. 103A, 108A, 109B, and 116B). The ribs416 may be perpendicular to the outboard wall 407. The ribs 416 may beperpendicular to the outward support member 414/415 or at an angle tothe outward support member 414/415 (see e.g., FIGS. 108A and 121B). Theribs 416 may be positioned in the rearward half of the bottom-outprotector 148. In one non-limiting example, a forward rib 416 may bepositioned rearward of mounting feature 430. One or more ribs may extendfrom the outboard outer wall 407 to the mounting features 424/426 (seee.g., FIGS. 103A and 122B). The one or more ribs 416 may include a rib416 extending outward at an angle to the outboard corner between twolinear sections of the outboard outer wall 407. The ribs 416 may have atapered height with the height being greatest adjacent to the outboardwall 407 (see also FIG. 109A). The amount of taper may vary (compareFIGS. 109A and 119A). In one aspect the ribs 416 provide added supportto the outward support member 414/415 adjacent to a mounting feature424/426/430. In another aspect, by providing more structure to thebottom-out protector 148, the bottom-out protector 148 may providesupport for the toe stops 140 and/ or foot support members 124. In anon-limiting example, the bottom-out protector 148 reinforces the regionof the toe pocket 222 and the opening 177. Securing the forward mountingfeature 420 to the forward frame assembly 312 and the rearward mountingfeature 418 to the side panel 182 of the tunnel 104 and/or the heatexchanger end cap 178 provides a stable connection for the bottom-outprotector 148 to the snowmobile. Reinforcing the outward support members414/415 with ribs 416 provides support to the forward end of the footsupport member 124 and/or the toe stop 140 in the region inboard of thesupport member 122. The flange defining the opening 135 on the footsupport member 124 is positioned under the opening 165 b of the toe stop140 and over the outward support member 414 and aligned with themounting feature 424 to receive a fastener through the outward supportmember 414, the opening 135, and the slot 165 b of the toe stop 140.Similarly, the flange defining the opening 137 on the foot supportmember 124 is positioned under the opening 165 a of the toe stop 140 andover the outward support member 415 and aligned with the mountingfeature 426 to receive a fastener through the outward support member415, the opening 137, and the slot 165 a of the toe stop 140.Accordingly, the toe stop 140 and the foot support member 124 aresupported by the bottom-out protector 148 in the region of the toepocket 222 and the opening 177 defined by one or more of the footsupport member 124, the toe stop 140, and the bottom-out protector 148.

In at least one embodiment, when the bottom-out protector 148 is coupledto snowmobile 100, the bottom-out protector 148 is positioned under thefoot support member 124, which is positioned under the toe stop 140 (seee.g., FIGS. 27B, 30, 57, 86B, 87A, 98B, 110-112, 115A-B). Accordingly,portions of the front end of the foot support member 124 in the regionsdefining the openings 135 and 137 are positioned between the toe stop140 and the bottom-out protector 148 to form a three-layer (andoptionally a multi-material) joint in the region of the toe pocket 222.The bottom-out protector 148 may be seen when the snowmobile 100 isviewed from the side (see e.g., FIG. 8 ). The bottom-out protector 148may be positioned at least partially outboard from the forward frameassembly 312 and at least partially inward from the foot support member124 (see e.g., FIGS. 12, 58, and 111-112 ). The bottom-out protector 148may be positioned at least partially forward of the toe stop 140 and atleast partially rearward of a skid plate 402. Such an arrangement allowsfor the mounting feature 430 which is located forward of the mountingfeature 424 on the outward support member 414 and the lower wall of theforward wall 163 as shown in FIGS. 100A and 100B to be secured to theskid plate 402 with a removable fastener inserted through an aperturedefined in the skid plate 402 and through the mounting feature 430 asshown in FIGS. 125 and 128 .

In an illustrative example, the lower surface of the forward portion ofthe foot support member 124 is positioned on at least a portion of theupper surfaces of the outward support members 414/415 to align mountingfeatures 424/426 with the mounting features 135/137. A removablefastener is inserted through the mounting features 135/137 of the footsupport member 124 and the co-aligned mounting features 424/426 of thebottom-out protector 148 to removably secure the bottom-out protector148 to the foot support member 124. In an illustrative example, the samefasteners 142 inserted through slots or openings 165 b/a in the toe stop140 to removably secure the toe stop 140 to the mounting features135/137 of the foot support member 124 may extend through the footsupport member 124 to extend into co-aligned mounting features 424/426to secure the three separate components into an overlapping joint alongthe opening 177 with the foot support member 124 positioned in themiddle between the toe stop 140 and the bottom-out protector 148. Asshown in FIG. 112 , this positions at least a lower portion of theforward wall 163 of the toe stop 140 between the mounting features 424and 426 and provides sufficient clearance to removably secure the skidplate 402 to the mounting feature 430 with a removable fastener asdiscussed above and shown in FIG. 125 . In at least one embodiment, amethod is provided that includes attaching a bottom-out protector 148 toone or more of the forward frame assembly 312, the toe stop 140, thefoot support member 124, the tunnel 104, the skid plate 402, and theheat exchanger end cap 178. In a non-limiting example, the methodincludes providing a first pair of bottom-out protectors 148 (as shownin FIGS. 116A and 120 ) for attaching to a common forward frame assembly312 for use with the snowmobile of FIG. 1 and providing a second pair ofbottom-out protectors 148 (as shown in FIGS. 102 and 106A) for attachingto a common forward frame assembly 312 for use with the secondsnowmobile of FIG. 8 . The first pair of bottom-out protectors 148 andthe second pair of bottom-out protectors 148 may include one or morefeatures commonly positioned with respect to the forward frame assembly312 (in the same location for both pairs) including, but not limited to,the forward mounting feature 420, the rearward mounting feature 418, andthe mounting feature 430. In a non-limiting example, one or morefeatures may be positioned differently with respect to the forward frameassembly 312 (in different locations for the pairs) including, but notlimited to, the mounting features 424 and 426. In a non-limitingexample, the shape or configuration of one or more features including,but not limited to, the bottom wall 410, the outward support member414/415, the ribs 416, the inboard wall 404, the interior wall 406, andthe outboard wall 407 may be different between the two pairs. Suchdifferences may accommodate, for example, the different running boardassemblies 120A, 120B, the different toe stops 140, the differentpositions of the components shown in FIGS. 42A - D (such as thosecomponents housed in the bottom-out protector 148), different tunnels104, and different heat exchanger end caps 178.

As shown in FIGS. 130A-133B, one or more body panels, discussed below ingreater detail, are attached to the forward frame assembly 312. Thesnowmobile 100/700/702 may also include a windshield 704 and a headlightassembly 706. The forward frame assembly 312 may be a common frameassembly - i.e., utilized for different snowmobile models 100/700/702(see e.g., FIGS. 42A-D). In one aspect, a common forward frame assembly312 provides an opportunity to attach one or more common body panels tothe forward frame assembly 312. Thus, different snowmobile models100/700/702 may utilize the same forward frame assembly 312 and/or oneor more body panels.

The body panels may be injection molded, or compression molded, and/ormachined. The material utilized to form the body panels may be toughand/or ductile. The body panels may be formed of a polymeric material, apolymeric composite material, a composite including one or more of theabove-described polymers and one or more types of fibers (i.e., areinforced polymer), carbon fiber, and/or a metallic material. In onenon-limiting example, the polymeric material may be thermoplasticpolyurethane (TPU). In some embodiments, a polymer composite includespolymeric material including, but not limited to, Nylon 6/6,Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polypropylene (PP), or Polyphthalamide(PPA) as a matrix material with glass, carbon, or ratio of both carbonand fiber material for fiber fill varying in percent volume from10%-50%, optionally from 40%-60%, and in some embodiments, from 45%-55%.

A body panel may include one or more mounting features to couple thebody panel to the snowmobile 100/700/702. In at least one embodiment,the mounting features allow the body panel to be releasably attached tothe snowmobile 100/700/702. In some embodiments, the mounting featuremay include an aperture configured to receive a fastener.

The body panels may include a forward body panel 708, an upper side bodypanel 710, a side body panel 400, a lower side body panel 714, a nosepanel 720, and/or a skid plate 402 (see e.g., FIGS. 130A-B and 132 ). Apanel 712 with an engine air intake may be positioned between the sidebody panel 400 and a lower body panel/skid plate 402 (see e.g., FIG. 132). The engine air intake may be the engine air intake described in U.S.Pat. Application No. 17/984,050 filed on Nov. 9, 2022, and entitled “AirIntake for Snowmobile,” the contents of which are incorporated byreference in its entirety. The headlight assembly 706 may be positionedabove the forward body panel 708. The upper side body panels 710 includeright and left upper side body panels 710 a/710 b which are positionedalongside the headlight assembly 706 and the forward body panel 708. Theside body panel 400 may be positioned below the upper side body panels710. The side body panel 400 may also be positioned at least partiallyrearward of the upper side body panel 710.

The lower side body panel 714 may be positioned rearward of the nosepanel 720. The upper and rear sides of the lower side body panel 714 maybe adjacent to the skid plate 402. At least one mounting feature 716 mayattach the lower side body panel 714 and the skid plate 402. The lowerside body panel 714 may include at least one opening 718 for a componentof the front suspension assembly 113 to extend through the lower sidebody panel 714 (see e.g., FIG. 132 ). For example, a tie rod arm 358 mayextend through a first opening and a lower control arm 356 may extendthrough a second opening. At least one mounting feature 717 may attachthe skid plate 402 and panel 712 together.

The nose panel 720 may be positioned below a forward end of the upperside body panels 710. The nose panel 720 may extend downward from theforward body panel 708. In some embodiments, a portion of the nose panel720 is positioned rearward of a portion of the upper side body panel 710(see e.g., FIG. 132 ). The nose panel 720 and the upper side body panel710 may be coupled together by a mounting feature 724. The nose panel720 and lower side body panel 714 may be attached by one or moremounting features. In the non-limiting example, two mounting features726/728 couple the nose panel 720 and the lower side body panel 714 (seee.g., FIG. 132 ). A portion of the nose panel 720 may extend around thefront bumper mount 303 and be removably secured thereto. The frontbumper mount 303 may be the front bumper mount described in U.S. Pat.Application No. 17/983,968 filed on Nov. 9, 2022, and entitled “BumperMount for Snowmobile,” the contents of which are incorporated byreference in its entirety. The nose panel 720 may incorporate a hoodlatch. In some embodiments, the nose panel 720 and the forward bodypanel 708 are separate body panels. In other embodiments, the nose panel720 and the forward body panel 708 are integrated into one body panel.

At least a portion of the skid plate 402 forms a bottom surface of thesnowmobile 700/702. In some embodiments, the skid plate 402 isfabricated from the same material as the bottom-out protector 148. Inone aspect, the skid plate 402 may be the first point of contact. Theskid plate 402 may include right and left skid plates 402 a/402 b (orright and left skid plate portions 402 a/402 b) extending rearward fromthe nose panel 720 (see e.g., FIG. 133B). In some embodiments, the rightskid plate portion 402 a and the left skid plate portion 402 b may beconnected together as a one-piece component. In other embodiments, theright skid plate portion 402 a may be a separate, distinct componentfrom the left skid plate portion 402 b. The right skid plate 402 a mayinclude an opening 744 surrounded by a mounting flange 746 (see e.g.,FIG. 133B) that allows engine exhaust from a muffler housed inside ofthe enclosure defined by the body panels to exit. An oil pan may beattached to the mounting flange 746 and the opening 744 may be utilizedto change the oil of the engine 106.

The nose panel 720 and the skid plate 402 include one or more mountingfeatures, e.g., an aperture, configured to receive a fastener (see e.g.,FIG. 133A). At least some of the mounting features attach the nose panel720 and/or the skid plate 402 to the forward frame assembly 312. Asshown in FIG. 134 , the right and left arms of the lower horizontalmember 331/332 include a plurality of mounting features 305/307/309/337that may be aligned with one or more mounting features of othercomponents of the snowmobile 100/700/702. For example, mounting features722 of the nose panel 720 may be aligned with mounting features 305 (seee.g., FIG. 134 ). Mounting features 750/758 of the skid plate 402 may bealigned with mounting features 307/309. Mounting features 752 of theskid plate 402 may be aligned with mounting features 337. Mountingfeatures 754 of the skid plate 402 may be aligned with the forwardmounting feature 420 of the bottom-out protector 148 and the tab 336 ofthe metal sheet 320/334. Mounting features 756 may be aligned with themounting feature 430 of the bottom-out protector 148. Apertures of themounting features 305/307/309/337 may extend through the lowerhorizontal member 331/332 and/or the flange 335 of the metal sheet320/334.

In one aspect, the skid plate 402 encapsulates the underside and/or theengine bay 108. In another aspect, the skid plate 402 is positioned andconfigured to shield the underside of the snowmobile 100/700/702 fromdebris. For example, the skid plate 402 may deflect debris away from thesnowmobile 100/700/702. In a further aspect, the skid plate 402 may beconfigured to inhibit the direct transmission of force to the chassis102.

FIG. 135 shows a non-limiting example of a method 780 of assembling asnowmobile that includes one or more components including, but notlimited to, a skid plate 402, a bottom-out protector 148, a foot supportmember 124, a toe stop 140, and a heat exchanger assembly 147. It is tobe understood that the method is not limited to the steps, the order ofthe steps, the components, or combinations of the components shown inFIG. 135 . The method 780 may include any part of one or more of thefollowing steps:

STEP 782, ATTACH A SKID PLATE AND/OR A BOTTOM-OUT PROTECTOR TO A FIRSTLOCATION UTILIZING A FIRST ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY, includes attaching askid plate 402 and/or a bottom-out protector 148 to a first locationutilizing a first attachment assembly (see e.g., FIG. 128 ). The firstlocation may be part of the forward frame assembly 312. In anon-limiting example, the first location is the tab 336 of the flange335 of the metal sheet 316/320/334. In an illustrative example, thefirst attachment assembly includes a reusable and removable fastener755, a mounting feature 754 of the skid plate 402, and the forwardmounting feature 420 of the bottom-out protector 148. As discussedabove, the U-clip 432 may be positioned on the tab 336 to threadinglyengage the fastener. The head of the fastener may be positioned adjacentto the bottom side of the skid plate 402. The tab 336 may be positionedbetween the legs of a U-clip. Thus, from bottom to top, the componentsof the first attachment assembly may be arranged as follows: fastener,skid plate 402, bottom-out protector 148, first leg of U-clip 432, tab336, and second leg of U-clip 432. The fastener may be removed to allowfor disassembly and replacement of any parts.

STEP 784, ATTACH THE SKID PLATE AND BOTTOM-OUT PROTECTOR TO A SECONDLOCATION UTILIZING A SECOND ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY, includes attaching theskid plate 402 and the bottom-out protector 148 to a second locationutilizing a second attachment assembly. The second location may berearward of the first location. In an illustrative example, the secondattachment assembly includes a fastener 753, a mounting feature 756 ofthe skid plate 402, and a mounting feature 430 of the bottom-outassembly 148. The mounting feature 430 may be positioned between legs ofa U-clip 432 for threadingly engaging the fastener. The head of thefastener may be positioned adjacent to the bottom side of the skid plate402. In other words, the fastener may be inserted upwards through themounting feature 756 of the skid plate 402 and the mounting feature 430of the bottom-out protector 148. Thus, from bottom to top, thecomponents of the first attachment assembly may be arranged as follows:fastener, skid plate 402, first leg of U-clip 432, bottom-out protector148, second leg of U-clip 432. The fastener may be removed to allow fordisassembly and replacement of any parts.

STEP 786, ATTACH TWO OR MORE OF THE BOTTOM-OUT PROTECTOR, A FOOT SUPPORTMEMBER, AND A TOE STOP TO A THIRD LOCATION UTILIZING A THIRD ATTACHMENTASSEMBLY, includes attaching two or more of the bottom-out protector148, a foot support member 124, and a toe stop 140 to a third locationutilizing a third attachment assembly. The third location may berearward of the second location. In an illustrative example, the thirdattachment assembly includes a fastener, a mounting feature 424 of thebottom-out protector 148, a forward mounting feature 135 of the footsupport member 124, and a forward slot 165 b in the bottom flange 176 ofthe toe stop 140. The mounting feature 424 may be positioned betweenlegs of the U-clip 432 for threadingly engaging the fastener. As shownin FIG. 71 , the head of the fastener 142 may be positioned adjacent tothe toe stop 140. In other words, the fastener 142 may be inserteddownwards through the outboard slot 165 b of the toe stop 140, throughthe of the foot support member 124, and through the mounting feature 424of the bottom-out protector 148 to threadingly engage the first leg ofthe U-clip 432. Thus, from bottom to top, the components of the firstattachment assembly may be arranged as follows: first leg of U-clip 432,bottom-out protector 148, second leg of U-clip 432, foot support member124, toe stop 140, and fastener 142.

STEP 788, ATTACH TWO OR MORE OF THE BOTTOM-OUT PROTECTOR, FOOT SUPPORTMEMBER, AND TOE STOP TO A FOURTH LOCATION UTILIZING A FOURTH ATTACHMENTASSEMBLY, includes attaching two or more of the bottom-out protector148, the foot support member 124, and the toe stop 140 to a fourthlocation utilizing a fourth attachment assembly. The fourth location maybe rearward of the third location. The fourth location may be positionedinboard from the third location. In an illustrative example, the fourthattachment assembly includes a reusable and removable fastener, amounting feature 426 of the bottom-out protector 148, a rearwardmounting feature 137 of the foot support member 124, and a rearward slot165 a in the bottom flange 176 of the toe stop 140. The mounting feature426 may be positioned between legs of the U-clip 432 that threadinglyengages the fastener. The head of the fastener may be positionedadjacent to the toe stop 140 as shown in FIG. 71 . In other words, thefastener may be inserted downwards through the rearward slot 165 a ofthe toe stop 140, through the rearward mounting feature 137 of the footsupport member 124, and through the mounting feature 426 of thebottom-out protector 148 to threadingly engage the first leg of theU-clip 432. Thus, from bottom to top, the components of the firstattachment assembly may be arranged as follows: first leg of U-clip 432,bottom-out protector 148, second leg of U-clip, foot support member 124,toe stop 140, and fastener. The fastener may be removed to allow fordisassembly and replacement of any parts.

STEP 790, ATTACH THE BOTTOM-OUT PROTECTOR TO A FIFTH LOCATION UTILIZINGA FIFTH ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY, includes attaching the bottom-out protector148 to a fifth location utilizing a fifth attachment assembly. In anillustrative example, the fifth location may be a side panel 182 of thetunnel 104 or an end cap 178 of a heat exchanger assembly 174. The fifthlocation may be a mounting flange 452 of an end cap 178 of a heatexchanger assembly 174. The fifth location may be located inboard of thefourth location. In an illustrative example, the fifth attachmentassembly includes a fastener 434, a rearward mounting feature 418 of thebottom-out protector 148, and the mounting flange 452. The head of thefastener 434 may be adjacent to the bottom side of the bottom-outprotector 148 (see e.g., FIGS. 111 and 124 ). In other words, thefastener 434 may be inserted upwards from the rearward mounting feature418 of the bottom-out protector 148 and the forward opening 451 of themounting flange 452 (see e.g., FIG. 128 ). As discussed above, a U-clip432 may be positioned on the mounting feature 452 of the heat exchangerassembly 174. Thus, from bottom to top, the components of the firstattachment assembly may be arranged as follows: fastener 434, bottom-outprotector 148, first leg of U-clip 432, mounting feature 452 of heatexchanger assembly 174, and second leg of U-clip 432 that threadinglyengages the fastener 434. The fastener may be removed to allow fordisassembly and replacement of any parts.

Turning to FIGS. 136-141 , the snowmobile 100/700/702 may optionallyinclude a track drive protector 800. FIGS. 136-138 illustrate a firstembodiment of a pair of track drive protectors 800 a/800 b for thesnowmobile of FIG. 130A. FIGS. 139-141 illustrate a second embodiment ofa pair of track drive protectors 800 c/800 d for the snowmobile of FIG.130B. As discussed below in greater detail, the track-drive protectors800 are configured to be placed on, house, or cover, at least a portionof the bottom-out protector 148, or optionally replace the bottom-outprotector 148. Thus, the track drive protector 800 may also be referredto as a secondary bottom-out protector. Because the track driveprotector 800 is configured to mate with/cover the bottom-out protector148, the track drive protector 800 may include one or more of the samefeatures discussed above for a bottom-out protector 148. For example,the track drive protector 800 may include a right track drive protector800 a and a left track drive protector 800 b (see e.g., FIGS. 136A-B).

The track drive protector 800 may include one or more featuresconfigured to protect the bottom-out protector 148 and/or the componentshoused by the bottom-out protector 148. In an illustrative example, thetrack drive protector 800 is positioned with respect to the bottom-outprotector 148 to maintain a gap therebetween along at least a portion ofthe length of the track drive protector 800. Offsetting at least aportion of the track drive protector 800 from the bottom-out protector148 allows a bottom wall 810 of the track drive protector 800 tomaintain a continuous surface with the adjacent portion of the secondaryskid plate 900 as described in greater detail below. The track driveprotector 800 includes a body with a base or bottom wall 810, an inboardwall 804, and an outboard wall 807. As shown in FIG. 129B, the side ofthe outboard wall 807 may be positioned along and abut the side of theoutboard wall 407 of the bottom-out protector 148, and the upper end ofthe outboard wall 807 may abut an underside of the bottom-out protectorssuch as the underside of the outward support member 414/415. The inboardwall 804 may be positioned inboard of the inboard wall 404 of thebottom-out protector 148 with the end of the inboard wall 804 abuttingthe bottom wall 410 of the bottom-out protector 148 to maintain a gapbetween the bottom wall 410 of the bottom-out protector 148 and thebottom wall 810 of the track drive protector 800. The gap may extendalong the length of the bottom wall 810 of the track drive protector800, or along a portion of the length of the bottom wall 810, such asthe forward portion of the track drive protector 800 along the inboardwall 804 as shown in FIG. 129B. In such a configuration, the inboardwall 804 of the track drive protector 800 may extend upwards from only aportion of the bottom wall 810 (see e.g., FIG. 129B, 138B, and 141B) andthe bottom wall 810 of the track drive protector 800 may abut the bottomwall 410 of the bottom-out protector 148 rearward of the inboard wall804 at a position at or forward of the lowest point of the bottom-outprotector 148 and may continue to contact the bottom wall 410 rearwardto the end of the bottom wall 808 of the track drive protector 800.Although the gap is maintained by positioning the end of the inboardwall 804 on the bottom wall 410 of the bottom-out protector 148, it isto be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such aconfiguration to maintain the gap. It is to be understood that theinboard wall 804 may not abut the bottom wall 410, and that the gap maybe maintained by one or more other features on the track drive protector800 and/or the bottom-out protector 148. The track drive protector 800may include an inboard wall 804, an outboard wall 807, an outwardsupport member 814, a bottom wall 810, a drain 812 configured to alignwith the drain 412 of the bottom-out protector 148, and mountingfeatures 818/820/824/826/830 (see also FIGS. 136A, 137A, and 159A).

The track drive protector 800 may include an outward support member 814extending outward from the outboard wall 807 similar to the outwardsupport member 414 of the bottom-out protector 148. The upper surface ofthe outward support member 814 of the track drive protector 800 maydefine a chamber 828 to house or otherwise accommodate the ribs 416extending underneath the outward support member 414 of the bottom-outprotector 148 (compare e.g., FIGS. 108A and 138A). The chamber 828 maybe positioned inboard of mounting feature 824 and rearward of mountingfeature 830. In an illustrative example, the mounting feature 824 (andthe outward support members 814) of the pair of track drive protectors139A and 139B (for use with running board assembly 120A) may bepositioned further outboard from the mounting feature 830 and/or otherfeature on the track drive protectors of FIGS. 139A and 139B (such asthe forward mounting feature 820 and/or the rearward mounting feature818) than the mounting feature 824 (and the outward support member 814)of the pair of track drive protectors of FIGS. 136A and 136B (for usewith the running board assembly 120B). In addition to, or alternatively,the mounting feature 826 (and the outward support member 814) of thepair of track drive protectors of FIGS. 139A and 139B (for use withrunning board assembly 120A) may be positioned further outboard from theforward mounting feature 420 and/or the rearward mounting feature 418than the mounting feature 826 (and the outward support member 814) ofthe pair of track drive protectors of FIGS. 136A and 136B (for use withthe running board assembly 120B). Changing the location of such featuresbetween the pairs of the track drive protectors 800 allows for the trackdrive protectors 800 to be compatible with common components, such asthe forward frame 312, between the snowmobile of FIG. 1 and thesnowmobile of FIG. 8 , as well as with components that are not common orcommonly configured (such as the running board assemblies 120A and 120B)between the snowmobile of FIG. 1 and the snowmobile of FIG. 8 . Asdescribed above with respect to the toe stop 140 and the bottom-outprotector 148, the opening 177 to the toe pocket 222 may be at leastpartially defined by the track drive protector 800.

The track drive protector 800 may define at least one channel 832 thatextends downward from the upper surface of the bottom wall 810. Thus,when the track drive protector 800 is viewed from the side or below, thechannel 832 appears to be a rib/projection extending downward from thebottom wall 810. As shown in FIGS. 147A, 147B, 160A, 160B, and 162 , theprojection defined by channel 832 is positioned adjacent the projection932 of the secondary skid plate 800 to define a continuous orsubstantially continuous surface that extends from a forward portion ofthe wings 906 to a rearward portion of the track drive protector 800.For example, the bottom wall 810 defines the longitudinal channel 832extending forward from a drain 812 (see e.g., FIGS. 136B, 137A, 139B,and 140A) that is configured to align with the drain 412 of thebottom-out protector 148. It is to be understood that the channel 832(and therefore the projection) may be offset from the centerline of thebottom wall 810 and/or provided with one or more gaps therealong toaccommodate the location of one or more features such as the mountingfeature 826 and/or the drains 812 In a non-limiting example, a secondchannel 836 may be separated from and positioned rearward of the channel832 to accommodate the drains 812, and is offset from the centerline ofthe bottom wall 810 to accommodate the mounting feature 826. In anillustrative example, the second channel 836 may have an L-shape. In oneaspect, channel 836 may aid the absorption of an impact by the trackdrive protector 800. Optionally, one or both channels 832/836 includes adrainage hole/drain. For example, channel 832 includes a drain 834. Thedistance of the drain 834 from drain 812 may vary (see e.g., FIGS. 136Band 139B). In one aspect, the channels 832/836 may function as astructure to facilitate traversing obstacles during operation of thesnowmobile 100/700/702 when the track drive protector 800 is attached tothe snowmobile 100/700/702. In another aspect one or both channels832/836 provide structural strength to the track drive protector 800.Although the formation of the projection(s) on one side of the bottomwall 810 is the result of a channel formed on the other side of thebottom wall 810, the present disclosure is not limited to such aconfiguration. It is to be understood that the projection(s) on thebottom wall 810 may be present without a channel on the opposite side ofthe bottom wall 810.

The track drive protector 800 may be fabricated from the same or adifferent material as the bottom-out protector 148. In a non-limitingexample, the bottom-out protector 148 comprises a first polymericmaterial, and the track drive protector 800 comprises a second materialthat is same as or different than the first material. In an illustrativeexample, the track drive protector 800 comprises a thermoplasticmaterial including heat-compacted woven polymer fibers. In one aspect,the track drive protector 800 provides additional protection to thesnowmobile 100/700/702. For example, the track drive protector 800 isconfigured to absorb some impact forces so that they are not transmitteddirectly to the chassis 102. As another example, the track driveprotector 800 may shield the underside of the snowmobile 100/700/702from debris.

Turning to FIGS. 142-145 , the snowmobile 100/700/702 may optionallyinclude a secondary skid plate 900. The secondary skid plate 900 may bemade from a polymeric material, a laminate polymer composite, apolymeric material with fibers, carbon fiber, and/or a metallicmaterial. In one aspect, the secondary skid plate 900 is thinner than aconventional skid plate while maintaining the strength of a conventionalskid plate. The secondary skid plate 900 may be fabricated bycompression molding, injection molding, or injection thermoforming. Inone example, the secondary skid plate 900 is fabricated by compressionmolding a polymer matrix with directional fibers. The secondary skidplate 900 may comprise the same material as the track drive protector800. In a non-limiting example, secondary skid plate 900 comprises athermoplastic material including heat-compacted woven polymer fibers. Insome embodiments, the secondary skid plate 900 may be formed of a fiberreinforced polymer material including one or more of the above-describedpolymers and one or more types of reinforcements including, but notlimited to, glass and/or carbon fibers, e.g., 30 wt % glass filledpolyamide. In a non-limiting example, the fiber % by weight of thecomposite material may range from 20 wt % to 60 wt %, and may optionallybe in the range of 20 wt % to 40 wt %, or optionally in the range of 25wt % to 35 wt %.

The secondary skid plate 900 includes a nose section 902, a body section904, and a wing 906 (see e.g., FIG. 142 ). As discussed below in greaterdetail, the secondary skid plate 900 includes a plurality of mountingfeatures for coupling the secondary skid plate 900 to a snowmobile100/700/702.

The nose section 902 extends forward and upwards from the body section904 (see e.g., FIGS. 143 and 147A-B). In other words, the forward end ofthe nose section 902 is positioned forward and/or upwards of the rearend of the nose section 902. The nose section 902 may include a centralpanel 908 extending forward from a base panel 912, and two side panels910 flanking the central panel 908 (see e.g., FIGS. 142 and 144 ). Theside panels 910 may extend rearward from the central panel 908 (seee.g., FIGS. 143 and 147A-B). In one aspect, this configuration allowsthe nose section 902 to wrap around the nose panel 720 when thesecondary skid plate 900 is attached to a snowmobile 100/700/702 (seee.g., FIGS. 162-163 ). Accordingly, a polymeric assembly is providedthat extends from the front bumper or the front bumper mount 303 to therear bumper 530. In an illustrative example, the polymeric assemblyextending from the front bumper to the rear bumper may comprise anycombination of the following: the side body panel 710, the forward bodypanel 708, the nose panel 720, the secondary skid plate 900, the bodypanel 400, the skid plate 402, the bottom-out protector 148, the trackdrive protector 800, the toe stop 140, the foot support member 124, andthe rear kick-up panel 146.

The body section 904 may be oriented horizontally (see e.g., FIG. 144 ).The body section 904 extends rearward from the nose section 902 (seee.g., FIG. 142 ). The outboard sides of the body section 904 may extendrearward at an angle to the longitudinal axis 6 of the snowmobile100/700/702. The width of the front end of the body section 904 may bethe same as the width of the rear end of the nose section 902. The rearend of the body section 904 may be wider than the front end. In someembodiments, the shape of the body section 904 may be the same as theshape of the forward frame assembly 312. In this example, the lowerhorizontal members 331/332 of the frame assembly 312 and the bodysection 904 have a generally triangular shape (see e.g., FIGS. 134 and142 ). The body section 904 may further be positioned between the wings906, e.g., the body section 904 is flanked by the wings 906. The frontend of the body section 904 may be positioned forward of the front endof the wings 906 and the rear end of the body section 904 may bepositioned forward of the rear end of the wings 906.

The body section 904 may define one or more channels 914 (see e.g., FIG.142 ). The channels 914 may be oriented parallel to the longitudinalaxis 6 of the snowmobile 100/700/702. When the secondary skid plate 900is viewed from behind, the channels 914 appear to be ribs extendingdownward from the body section 904 (see e.g., FIG. 145 ). In onenon-limiting example, the body section 904 has three channels 914. Insome embodiments, one channel 914 extends forward into the base panel912 of the nose section 902 (see e.g., FIG. 142 ). Optionally, thechannel 914 includes a drain 916. In one aspect, the channels/ribs 914increase the strength of the secondary skid plate 900.

The body section 904 may include a mounting region 920 positioned alongthe outboard sides. The mounting region 920 may be positioned adjacentto the wings 906. The mounting region 920 may form the rearward end ofthe angled outboard sides of the body section 904. As discussed below ingreater detail, the mounting region 920 may be configured to mate with afront suspension mount 362 of the forward frame assembly 312 (see e.g.,FIG. 163 ). Optionally, the mounting region 920 may be raised or loweredrelative to an adjacent region of the body section 904 (see e.g., FIG.156 ).

Optionally, the body section 904 may include an open channel 918extending inwards from the side of the body section 904 (see e.g., FIG.142 ). The open channel 918 may be positioned forward of the mountingfeatures 950 and extend downward from the body section 904 to shield thehead of any fastener positioned on the underside of the body section 904and inserted through features 950. In one non-limiting example, two openchannels 918 are positioned on opposite side of the body section 904 andare aligned. Similar features may be provided forward of the mountingfeatures 958 positioned on the body section 904 along the wings 906.

The wings 906 may be positioned rearward of the nose section 902. Theheight of the wings 906 may be less than the height of the nose section902 (see e.g., FIGS. 147A-B). The wings 906 may be positioned outboardof the nose section 902 and the body section 904. The front and outboardsides of the wing 906 may be curved. The wings 906 may curve upward inan outboard direction from the body section 904, curve upward in aforward direction, and/or curve upward in an outboard direction from theopening 944 (see e.g., FIG. 143 ). The rear end of the wings 906 mayinclude a rear flange 940 configured to abut/cover/mate with the drivetrack protector 800 and/or the bottom-out protector 148 (see e.g., FIGS.142, 147A-B, 156 and 159A-B). The rear flange 940 may have a zig-zagconfiguration.

The secondary skid plate 900 may include one or more features thatdefine a continuous or near continuous surface with the track driveprotector 800. In an illustrative example, the wings 906 may include achannel 932 on the upper surface. The channel 932 may be orientedparallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 6 of thesnowmobile 100/700/702. When viewed from the front, from behind, or fromthe side, the channel 932 may define a rib extending from the lowersurface (see e.g., FIGS. 144-145 and 147A-B). The channel/rib 932 may becontinuous, e.g., channel 932 b, or discontinuous, e.g., channel 932 a.As discussed below in greater detail, the channel/rib 932 may be alignedwith the channel/rib 832 of the track drive protector 800 when thesecondary skid plate 900 and the track drive protector 800 are attachedto the snowmobile 100/700/702 (see e.g., FIG. 160B). In one aspect, thisconfiguration provides a deflection rib spanning more than one componentof the underside of the snowmobile 100/700/702. In one aspect, thedeflection rib 832/932 may deflect an impact. In an illustrativeexample, the continuous surface defined by the ribs 832/932 mayfacilitate traversing objects such as logs as the continuous surfaceprovides for a smooth transition along the underbody when passing oversuch obstacles. The continuous surface defined by 832/932 may beprovided by positioning the forward end of the track drive protector 800over the rearward end of the secondary skid plate to align the ribs832/932. The mounting feature 820 of the track drive protector 800 thatis secured to the forward frame assembly 312 may be positioned directlyabove the continuous surface to provide support to the continuoussurface. In some embodiments, the secondary skid plate 900 may overlapthe track drive protector 800. As shown in FIGS. 160A and 160B, thecontinuous surface defined by 832/932 may extend from forward of theheat exchanger assembly to rearward of the track drive shaft.Optionally, the continuous surface defined by 832/932 may extend from afront suspension mount located adjacent mounting region 920 to rearwardof the track drive shaft.

The right wing 906 a may include an opening 944 (see e.g., FIG. 142 ).The perimeter of the opening may be irregular. In some embodiments, aportion of the opening 944 is positioned between portions of the rib 932a. The opening 944 may be configured to be aligned with the opening 744of the skid plate 402 when the secondary skid plate 900 is attached tothe snowmobile 100/700/702. In some embodiments, the opening 944 in thesecondary skid plate 900 is larger than the opening 744 of the skidplate 402 (see e.g., FIGS. 157 and 161A-B). The right wing 906 a havingthe opening 944 may be configured for an engine exhaust. In someembodiments, the opening 944 may be configured to allow an engineexhaust gas to pass through, and out of, an engine exhaust pipe housedat least partially in the secondary skid plate 900.

As discussed below in greater detail, the secondary skid plate 900 maybe configured to be to be placed on, or cover, the underside of theforward frame assembly 312, portions of the skid plate 402, and/or thenose panel 720. Thus, the secondary skid plate 900 may include featurescomplementary to one or more body panels. For example, the nose section902 may include features complementary to the features of the nose panel720. In one aspect, a secondary skid plate 900 with complementaryfeatures has a closer fit when attached to the snowmobile 100/700/702,which may provide additional support to the snowmobile.

The secondary skid plate 900 may include one or more mounting featuresto attach the secondary skid plate 900 to the snowmobile 100/700/702. Amounting feature may further include an aperture configured to receive afastener. For example, the nose section 902 includes one or moremounting features 909/911 positioned in the central section 908 forremovable securing the nose section 902 to the nose panel 720, the sidesections 910, and/or the base section 912 (see e.g., FIG. 142 ). In onenon-limiting example, the central section 908 has two apertures 909 andeach side section 910 has one aperture 911. Some of the mountingfeatures of the nose section 902 may be aligned with mounting featuresof another snowmobile component. For example, mounting features 922 arealigned with mounting features 722 of the nose panel 720, mountingfeatures 722 of the skid plate 402, and/or mounting features 305 of theforward frame assembly 312 (see e.g., FIG. 134 ).

The body section 904 includes a plurality of mounting features920/950/958. Some of the mounting features 920/950 may be aligned alongoutboard sides of the body section 904. Some of the mounting features ofthe body section 904 may be aligned with mounting features of anothersnowmobile component. For example, mounting feature 950 may be alignedwith mounting feature 750 of the skid plate 402, and mounting feature307 of the forward frame assembly 312; and mounting feature 958 may bealigned with mounting feature 758 of the skid plate 402 and mountingfeature 309 of the forward frame assembly 312. The mounting feature 920may be provided with one or more apertures that are alignable with theapertures provided in the underside 363 of the rearwardmost mounts onthe forward frame for the lower suspension arms and may be removablysecured thereto with a fastener. Accordingly, the secondary skid plate900 may protect or otherwise cover more of the forward frame assembly312 than the skid plate 402.

The wings 906 include a plurality of mounting features 930/936/956positioned along the sides of the wings 906 (see also FIG. 143 ). Forexample, a plurality of mounting features 930 are positioned along aforward side, a plurality of the mounting features 936 are positionedalong an outboard side, and at least one mounting feature 956 ispositioned along the rear side. Mounting features 930 may be utilized toattach the front of the secondary skid plate 900 to the front of theskid plate 402. Mounting features 936 may be utilized to attach the sideof the secondary skid plate 900 to the side of the skid plate 402. Someof the mounting features of the wing 906 may be aligned with mountingfeatures of another snowmobile component. For example, mounting feature956 may be aligned with mounting feature 830 of the track driveprotector 800, mounting feature 756 of the skid plate 402, and/ormounting feature 430 of the bottom-out protector 148.

FIG. 148 shows a non-limiting example of a method 980 of assembling asnowmobile 100/700/702 that includes, but is not limited to, two or moreof a track drive protector 800, a secondary skid plate 900, a skid plate402, a bottom-out protector 148, a foot support member 124, a toe stop140, and a heat exchanger assembly 147. It is to be understood that theassembly of the secondary skid plate 900 with either the pair of trackdrive protectors 800 shown in FIG. 160A (for use with the running boardassembly 120B), or the pair of track drive protectors 800 shown in FIG.160B (for use with the running board assembly 120A) allows the secondaryskid plate 900 to be a common component for both the snowmobile shown inFIG. 1 and the snowmobile shown in FIG. 8 . Accordingly, in someembodiments, only the track drive protectors 800 are changed whenproducing one snowmobile or the other with the assembly. In someembodiments, the running board assembly 120A, the toe stops 148 and theskid plate 402 may be changed when producing one snowmobile or the otherwith the assembly. It is to be understood that the method is not limitedto the steps, the order of the steps, the components, or combinations ofthe components shown in FIG. 135 . It is to be understood that anycombination of two or more of these components may be secured directlyor indirectly to each other. In an illustrative example, the track driveprotector 800 may be removably secured to the foot support member 124with a removable and reusable fastener. The method 780 of assembling twoor more of these components may include any part of one or more of thefollowing steps:

STEP 982, ATTACH A TRACK DRIVE PROTECTOR AND ONE OR MORE OF A SKIDPLATE, AND A BOTTOM-OUT PROTECTOR TO A FIRST LOCATION UTILIZING A FIRSTATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY, includes attaching a track drive protector 800 andone or more of a skid plate 402, and a bottom-out protector 148 to afirst location utilizing a first attachment assembly (see e.g., FIG. 128). The first location may be on the forward frame assembly 312. In anon-limiting example, the first location is the tab 336 of the flange335 of the metal sheet 316/320/334. In an illustrative example, thefirst attachment assembly includes a reusable and removable fastener, amounting feature 820 of the track drive protector 800, a mountingfeature 754 of the skid plate 402, and the forward mounting feature 420of the bottom-out assembly 148. As discussed above, a U-clip 432 may bepositioned on the tab 336 of the metal sheet 316/320/334. The legs ofthe U-clip 432 may be positioned on the tab 336. The head of thefastener may be positioned adjacent to the bottom side of the skid plate402. Thus, from bottom to top, the components of the first attachmentassembly may be arranged as follows: fastener, track drive protector800, skid plate 402, bottom-out protector 148, first leg of U-clip 432,tab 336, and second leg of U-clip 432 that threadingly engages theremovable and reusable fastener. The fastener may be removed to allowfor disassembly and replacement of any parts.

STEP 984, ATTACH A SECONDARY SKID PLATE AND/OR THE TRACK DRIVE PROTECTORWITH ONE OR MORE OF THE SKID PLATE, AND THE BOTTOM-OUT PROTECTOR TO ASECOND LOCATION UTILIZING A SECOND ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY, includesattaching a secondary skid plate 900 and/or the track drive protector800 with one or more of the skid plate 402, and the bottom-out protector148 to a second location utilizing a second attachment assembly. Thesecond location is rearward of the first location. In an illustrativeexample, the second attachment assembly includes a reusable andremovable fastener, a mounting feature 956 of the secondary skid plate900, a mounting feature 830 of the track drive protector 800, a mountingfeature 756 of the skid plate 402 and a mounting feature 430 of thebottom-out assembly 148. The mounting feature 430 may be positionedbetween legs of a U-clip 432. The head of the fastener may be positionedadjacent to the bottom side of the secondary skid plate 900. In otherwords, the fastener may be inserted upwards through the mounting feature956 of the secondary skid plate 900, the mounting feature 830 of thetrack drive protector 800, the mounting feature 756 of the skid plate402, and the mounting feature 430 of the bottom-out protector 148. Thus,from bottom to top, the components of the second attachment assembly maybe arranged as follows: fastener, secondary skid plate 900, track driveprotector 800, skid plate 402, first leg of U-clip 432, bottom-outprotector 148, and second leg of the U-clip 432 that threadingly engagesthe removable fastener. The secondary skid plate 900 may overlap thefirst location. For example, the rear flange 940 may overlap the firstlocation (see e.g., FIGS. 146-147 and 159B). The fastener may be removedto allow for disassembly and replacement of any parts.

STEP 986, ATTACH THE TRACK DRIVE PROTECTOR AND ONE OR MORE OF THEBOTTOM-OUT PROTECTOR, A FOOT SUPPORT MEMBER, AND A TOE STOP TO A THIRDLOCATION UTILIZING A THIRD ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY, includes attaching thetrack drive protector 800 and one or more of the bottom-out protector148, a foot support member 124, and a toe stop 140 to a third locationutilizing a third attachment assembly, the third location is rearward ofthe second location. In an illustrative example, the third attachmentassembly includes a reusable and removable fastener 142, a mountingfeature 824 of the track drive protector 800, and one of more of amounting feature 424 of the bottom-out protector 148, a forward mountingfeature 135 of the foot support member 124, and a forward slot 165 b inthe bottom flange 176 of the toe stop 140. In an illustrative example,the mounting feature 824 of the track drive protector 800 may bepositioned between legs of a U-clip 432. The head of the fastener 142may be positioned adjacent to the toe stop 140. In other words, thefastener may be inserted downwards through the outboard slot 165 b ofthe toe stop 140, through the forward mounting feature 135 of the footsupport member 124, through the mounting feature 424 of the bottom-outprotector 148, through the second leg of U-clip, through the mountingfeature 824 of the track drive protector 800, and through the first legof the U-clip that threadingly engages the removable fastener. Thus,from bottom to top, the components of the third attachment assembly maybe arranged as follows: first leg of U-clip 432, track drive protector800, second leg of U-clip 432, bottom-out protector 148, foot supportmember 124, toe stop 140, and fastener 142. The fastener may be removedto allow for disassembly and replacement of parts.

STEP 988, ATTACH THE TRACK DRIVE PROTECTOR AND ONE OR MORE OF THEBOTTOM-OUT PROTECTOR, THE FOOT SUPPORT MEMBER, AND THE TOE STOP TO AFOURTH LOCATION UTILIZING A FOURTH ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY, includesattaching the track drive protector 800 and one or more of thebottom-out protector 148, the foot support member 124, and the toe stop140 to a fourth location utilizing a fourth attachment assembly. Thefourth location is rearward of the third location. The fourth locationmay also be positioned inboard from the third location. The fourthattachment assembly includes a removable and reusable fastener, amounting feature 826 of the track drive protector 800, and one or moreof a mounting feature 426 of the bottom-out protector 148, a rearwardmounting feature 137 of the foot support member 124, and a rearward slot165 a in the bottom flange 176 of the toe stop 140. The mounting feature826 may be positioned between legs of a U-clip 432. The head of thefastener 142 may be positioned adjacent to the toe stop 140 as shown inFIG. 71 . In other words, the fastener 142 may be inserted downwardsthrough the rearward slot 165 a of the toe stop 140, through therearward mounting feature 137 of the foot support member 124, throughthe mounting feature 426 of the bottom-out protector 148, through thesecond leg of the U-clip 432, through the mounting feature 824 of thetrack drive protector 800, and through the first leg of the U-clip thatthreadingly engages the removable fastener 142. Thus, from bottom totop, the components of the fourth attachment assembly may be arranged asfollows: first leg of U-clip 432, track drive protector 800, second legof U-clip, bottom-out protector 148, foot support member 124, toe stop140, and fastener. The fastener may be removed to allow for disassemblyand replacement of any parts.

STEP 990, ATTACH THE TRACK DRIVE PROTECTOR AND THE BOTTOM-OUT PROTECTORTO A FIFTH LOCATION UTILIZING A FIFTH ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY, includesattaching the track drive protector 800 and the bottom-out protector 148to a fifth location utilizing a fifth attachment assembly. The fifthlocation may be a mounting flange 452 of a side panel 182 of the tunnel104 or an end cap 178 of a heat exchanger assembly 174. The fifthlocation may be located inboard to the fourth location. The fifthlocation may be outboard of the side panel 182 of the tunnel 104 or anend cap 178 of a heat exchanger assembly. In an illustrative example,the fifth attachment assembly includes a removable and reusablefastener, a mounting feature 818 of the track drive protector 800, arearward mounting feature 418 of the bottom-out protector 148, and themounting flange 452. The head of the fastener may be adjacent to thebottom side of the track drive protector 800 (see e.g., FIGS. 159A-B).In other words, the fastener may be inserted upwards from the rearwardmounting feature 818 of the track drive protector 800, through therearward mounting feature 418 of the bottom-out protector 148, and theforward opening 451 of the mounting flange 452 (see e.g., FIG. 128 ). Asdiscussed above, a U-clip may be positioned on the heat exchangerassembly mount 452 about forward opening 451. Thus, from bottom to top,the components of the fifth attachment assembly may be arranged asfollows: fastener, track drive protector 800, bottom-out protector 148,first leg of U-clip 432, heat exchanger assembly mount 452, and secondleg of U-clip 432 that is threadingly engaged with the removablefastener. The fastener may be removed to allow for disassembly andreplacement of any parts.

As discussed above, the nose section 902 is configured to cover/overlaythe nose panel 720, the body section 904 is configured to cover/overlaythe forward and rear belly pans 319/323 of the forward frame assembly312, and the wing 906 is configured to cover/overlay the skid plate 402.In one aspect, when attached to the snowmobile 100/700/702, thesecondary skid plate 900 provides additional protection to the undersideof the snowmobile 100/700/702. For example, the secondary skid plate 900may be configured to absorb some impact forces so that they are nottransmitted directly to the chassis 102. As another example, thesecondary skid plate 900 may shield the underside of the snowmobile100/700/702 from debris. As discussed above, the rib 932 of thesecondary skid plate 900 may be aligned with the rib 832 of the trackdrive protector 800 (see e.g., FIG. 160B) to provide a continuous orsubstantially continuous surface to facilitate the traversal ofobstacles during operation of the vehicle. The nose section 902 isconfigured to cover/overlay the nose panel 720 with the removablefasteners at mounting feature 909 secured to the nose panel 720 in achannel below a knob of a latch assembly that can be actuated to releaseand remove one or more of the body panels and components positionedthereabove including, but not limited to, parts 708 and 710. Therefore,upper portions of the snowmobile may be removed to access one or morecomponents thereunder without removing the secondary skid plate 900.

FIGS. 128 and 149-155 provide various non-limiting views illustratingassembling a snowmobile 100/700/702 according to methods 780/980discussed above. Reference numbers 1-5 correspond to step 782/982, step784/984, step 786/986, step 788/988, and step 790/990 of method 780 andmethod 980 respectively. One or all of the mounting feature818/820/824/826/830 of the track drive protector 800 is aligned with oneor all of the corresponding mounting feature 418/420/424/426/430 of thebottom-out protector 148 (see e.g., FIG. 128 ). For example, mountingfeature 820 of the track drive protector 800 is aligned with the forwardmounting feature 420 of the bottom-out protector 148 and mountingfeature 754 of the skid plate 402. Thus, a fastening device may beutilized to attach the track drive protector 800 to the bottom-outprotector 148 and to other components 124/178/335/402. The fasteningdevice for any or all of the mounting features may be removable andreusable to allow the components to be disassembled and reassembledwithout fastening with a weld or permanent mechanical fastener such as arivet. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such fastenersand single-use fasteners and permanent connections between thecomponents can be used.

When the secondary skid plate 900 is attached to the snowmobile100/700/702, the body section 904 extends under the forward and rearbelly pans 319/323 of the forward frame assembly 312 (see e.g., FIGS.156-158 and 160A-B). The rear belly pan 319 may be attached to thebottom plate 329, and/or the lower horizontal member 332. For example,the front end of the rear belly pan 319 is attached to the bottom plate329, the sides are attached to the lower horizontal member 332, and therear end is attached the heat exchanger assembly 174 and/or the lowerhorizontal member 332. The forward belly pan 323 may be attached to thebottom plate 329 and/or the lower horizontal member 332. For example,the front end and/or sides of the forward belly pan 323 are attached tothe lower horizontal member 332 and the rear end of the forward bellypan 323 is attached to the bottom plate 329. In some embodiments, theforward belly pan 323 extends under the bottom plate 329 (see e.g., FIG.115B). In one aspect, a forward belly pan 323 extending under the bottomplate 329 provides two layers of support for an engine 106 mounted tothe bottom plate 329. In a further aspect, attaching a secondary skidplate 900 to the snowmobile provides an additional layer of support forthe engine 106 in addition to deflecting debris away from the undersideof the snowmobile 100/700/702.

One aspect of a secondary skid plate 900 as discussed above, is that itmay be larger than a conventional skid plate. For example, the nosesection 902 covers a majority of the nose panel 720 when the secondaryskid plate 900 is attached to the snowmobile 100/700/702 (see e.g., FIG.161 ). In some embodiments, 65-90% or 80-90% of the nose panel 720 maybe covered by the secondary skid plate 900. As another example, when thesecondary skid plate 900 is attached to the snowmobile 100/700/702, thefront end of the wings 906 is positioned higher than the front end of aconventional skid plate. In some embodiments, the front end of the wings906 covers 20-40% of the front end of the skid plate 402. In onenon-limiting example, the front end of the wings 906 is positionedhigher than the bottom of the side body panel 400 (see e.g., FIG. 162 ).In another example, the outboard side of the wings 906 covers themajority of the outboard side of the skid plate 402. In someembodiments, the wings 906 cover 80-100% of the outboard side of theskid plate 402. In one non-limiting example, the wings 906 cover all ofthe outboard side of the skid plate 402.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a toe stopincludes a composite body that includes: a first portion defining a toepocket; and a second portion at least partially defining a chamberpositioned inboard of the toe pocket, wherein the chamber is shaped toat least partially house a vehicle component therein.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to the previousparagraph, the chamber is partially defined by an inboard wall, theinboard wall comprising a sensor mount configured to receive a sensor.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the chamber is partially defined by a rearward wallextending inward from the inboard wall, the composite body furthercomprising a wire guide panel extending from the rearward wall, the wireguide panel comprising a wire guide.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the toe pocket is partially defined by a toe hookand a forward wall and the toe hook is positioned rearward of theforward wall.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a toe stopincludes a composite body. The composite body includes a first portiondefining a toe pocket; and a wall positioned inboard of the firstportion and extending rearward therefrom, wherein an inboard side of thewall defines a channel configured to receive at least a portion of awire harness for an electrical component therein.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a toe stopincludes a composite body. The composite body includes a toe pocket; anda wall positioned inboard of the toe pocket and extending rearwardtherefrom, wherein the wall defines a sensor mount.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to the previousparagraph, the toe hook is further positioned above the sensor mount.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a toe stopincludes a unitary body. The unitary body includes a bottom flangeforming a bottom surface of the top stop; a forward wall extendingupward from the bottom flange; an inboard wall extending upward from thebottom flange and rearward from the forward wall; and a rearward wallextending upward from the bottom flange and inward from the inboardwall. A toe pocket is partially defined by the forward wall and theinboard wall.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to the previousparagraph, the bottom flange includes one or more slots for attachingthe toe stop to a running board assembly of a snowmobile.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the unitary body further including an outboard wallpositioned forward of the bottom flange and extending forward from theforward wall. The outboard wall includes a side panel interface and/or askid plate interface.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the outboard wall includes the side panel interfaceand the skid plate interface, wherein the side panel interface ispositioned above the skid plate interface.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the outboard wall is V-shaped.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the toe stop further including one or more ribsextending outward from an outboard surface of the outboard wall.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the outboard wall includes a skid plate mountingpoint located above the skid plate interface.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the skid plate mounting point is further locatedbelow the one or more ribs.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the unitary body further includes a toe hookpositioned rearward of the forward wall, wherein the toe pocket isfurther defined by the toe hook.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the toe hook comprises a wire retaining featurepositioned on an outboard side of the toe hook.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the toe hook has a triangular or rectangular shape.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the toe stop further includes a toe hook panelpositioned forward of the forward wall, above the inboard wall, andrearward of the rearward wall, the toe hook extending inboard to aninboard side of the toe stop; and a frame mount member extending upwardsfrom an upper edge of the toe hook panel, the frame mount memberincluding a mounting aperture for mounting the toe stop to a forwardframe.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the toe hook is positioned along a rearward surfaceof the toe hook panel.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the toe hook is positioned along a bottom surfaceof the toe hook panel.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the toe hook panel defines one or more openings.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the toe stop including one or more ribs extend overthe one or more openings.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the ribs are positioned on a forward surface of thetoe hook panel.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, an upper edge of the toe hook panel includes anattachment feature for coupling the toe stop to a body panel of asnowmobile.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the toe stop further includes a panel extendingforward from the toe hook to the forward wall. The panel, the toe hookand the forward wall define a clearance feature sized to receive atubular running board support member.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the inward wall and the rearward wall defining achamber for a belt assembly positioned inboard from the toe stop.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the inward wall and the rearward wall defining achamber for a belt assembly positioned inboard from the toe stop.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the toe stop including one or more vent holes.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the one or more vent holes includes a vent hole inthe inboard wall, the forward wall, and/or the rearward wall.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, a forward surface of the toe stop includes one ormore ribs.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the toe stop is unitary.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the toe stop is a molded polymeric compositematerial.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the toe stop further including a sensor coupled tothe sensor mount feature by an interference fit.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the toe stop is coupled to a running board assemblyof a snowmobile.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, asnowmobile, includes a body including a tunnel and a running boardassembly secured to the body. The running board assembly including asupport member positioned outboard of the tunnel, and a foot supportmember having an inboard side removably secured to the tunnel. A toestop is coupled to the foot support member, wherein the toe stop is amolded polymeric composite material.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to the previousparagraph, the foot support member is formed of a material havingthermal conductivity of less than 1 W/m-°K.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the support member and the foot support member areremovably attached to the tunnel and the foot support member isremovably secured to the support member.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the foot support member defines a plurality ofapertures extending from near the inboard side to near the outboard sideof the foot support member and configured to shed snow or other debristherethrough.

In one or more embodiments of the toe stop according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the toe stops define a plurality of openings influid communication with an engine bay of the snowmobile. The openingsare configured to exhaust air warmed by the engine from inside theengine bay.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a method ofassembling a snowmobile that includes a body defining a tunnel ispresented. The method includes attaching a support member to the tunnelusing a first plurality of fasteners such that the support member islocated outboard of the tunnel; attaching inboard sides of a footsupport member to the tunnel using a second plurality of fasteners;securing outboard sides of the foot support member to the support memberusing a plurality of flexible clips integrally formed with the footsupport member that is defined on an outboard side of the foot supportmember; and attaching a toe stop to the foot support member using one ormore second fasteners, the toe stop comprising a bottom flange with oneor more slots, each slot configured to receive one of the secondfasteners.

In one or more embodiments of the method according to the previousparagraph, the toe stop comprises a plurality of openings and attachingthe toe stop includes arranging the plurality of openings such that theyare in fluid communication with an engine bay of the snowmobile andconfigured to exhaust air warmed by the engine from inside the enginebay.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a snowmobileincludes a body including a tunnel and a running board assembly securedto the body. The running board assembly further includes a supportmember positioned outboard of the tunnel, a foot support member havingan inboard side removably secured to the tunnel, and an outboard sideremovably secured to the support member by a plurality of flexible clipsdefined on an outboard side of the foot support member. Each of theflexible clips wraps around at least 51% of a circumference of thesupport member and is sized to apply a compressive force to the supportmember.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile according to the previousparagraph, each of the flexible clips wraps around at least 60% of acircumference of the support member.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, each of the flexible clips wraps around no morethan 75% of a circumference of the support member.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the foot support member is formed of a materialhaving thermal conductivity of less than 1 W/m-°K.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the foot support member is formed of a polymericcomposite material.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the plurality of flexible clips are integrallyformed with the foot support member of the same polymeric compositematerial.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the support member and the foot support member areremovably attached to the tunnel and the foot support member isremovably secured to the support member.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the support member is removably attached to thetunnel by a plurality of threaded fasteners.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the foot support member defines a plurality ofapertures extending from near the inboard side to near the outboard sideof the foot support member and configured to shed snow or other debristherethrough.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the foot support member defines a plurality ofserrated ridges extending from a top surface of the foot support memberand located intermediate the plurality of apertures. The plurality ofserrated ridges are configured to enhance traction of a rider’s bootwith the running boards.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the running board assembly further includes fronttoe stops attached to the foot support member and the tunnel.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the front toe stops define a plurality of openingsin fluid communication with an engine bay of the snowmobile. Theopenings are configured to exhaust air warmed by the engine from insidethe engine bay.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the running board assembly further includes rearkick-up panels that are attached to the foot support member and thetunnel.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the snowmobile further includes bottom-outprotectors that project from the body and are located outboard of thetunnel and are located inboard of the support member of the runningboard assembly. The bottom-out protectors are positioned on the body ina location lower than the tunnel and the foot support member.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the bottom-out protectors are formed from anunfilled thermoplastic olefin material.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a method ofassembling a snowmobile that includes a body defining a tunnel ispresented. The method includes attaching a support member to the tunnelusing a first plurality of fasteners such that the support member islocated outboard of the tunnel, attaching inboard sides of a footsupport member to the tunnel using a second plurality of fasteners andsecuring outboard sides of the foot support member to the support memberusing a plurality of flexible clips integrally formed with the footsupport member that is defined on an outboard side of the foot supportmember. Each of the flexible clips wraps around at least 51% and at most75% of a circumference of the support member and is sized to apply acompressive force to the support member.

In one or more embodiments of the method according to the previousparagraph, the method further includes attaching front toe stops to thefoot support member and the tunnel and arranging a plurality of openingsin the front toe stops such that they are in fluid communication with anengine bay of the snowmobile and configured to exhaust air warmed by theengine from inside the engine bay.

In one or more embodiments of the method according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the method further includes attaching rear kick-uppanels to the foot support member and the tunnel.

In one or more embodiments of the method according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the method further attaching bottom-out protectorsformed from an unfilled thermoplastic olefin material to the body. Thebottom-out protectors are located outboard of the tunnel and inboard ofthe support member to which the plurality of flexible clips defined onthe outboard side of the foot support member are secured. The bottom-outprotectors are positioned on the body in a location lower than thetunnel and the foot support member.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a snowmobileincludes a chassis, a tunnel attached to the chassis, a running boardassembly, and bottom-out protectors projecting from the chassis andlocated outboard of the tunnel and inboard of an outboard side of therunning board assembly. The bottom-out protectors are positioned on thechassis in a location lower than the tunnel and the running boardassembly. The bottom-out protectors are formed from a thermoplasticolefin material.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a compositerunning board includes a first side rail that is securable to asnowmobile and a second side rail positioned outboard of the first siderail. The second side rail at least partially defines a channel shapedto receive a support. The composite running board further includes aplurality of cross members extending from the first side rail to thesecond side rail.

In one or more embodiments of the composite running board according tothe previous paragraph, the channel extends along a length of the secondrail.

In one or more embodiments of the composite running board according toany one of the previous paragraphs, the support has a tubular shape.

In one or more embodiments of the composite running board according toany one of the previous paragraphs, the lower surface of the runningboard defines the channel and the lower surface of the running boardthat defines the channel is curved to form a downward facing openingthat extends along a length of the second side rail for receiving asupport in the channel.

In one or more embodiments of the composite running board according toany one of the previous paragraphs, a first plurality of retainingmembers extend toward the opening from the second rail along an outboardside of the downward facing opening.

In one or more embodiments of the composite running board according toany one of the previous paragraphs, the second side rail defines a firstplurality of upwardly facing holes on the upper surface to the channel.The first plurality of upwardly facing holes are aligned along thelength of the second side rail. At least some of the first plurality ofretaining members are positioned outboard and adjacent the firstplurality of upwardly facing holes.

In one or more embodiments of the composite running board according toany one of the previous paragraphs, a first plurality of retainingmembers extend toward the opening from the lower surface of the runningboard along an inboard side of a downwardly facing opening.

In one or more embodiments of the composite running board according toany one of the previous paragraphs, a second plurality of retainingmembers extend toward the opening from the lower surface of the runningboard along an inboard side of the downwardly facing opening.

In one or more embodiments of the composite running board according toany one of the previous paragraphs, the second side rail defines asecond plurality of upwardly facing openings on the upper surface to thechannel that are aligned along the length of the second side rail. Thesecond plurality of upwardly facing openings are positioned on aninboard side of the channel and the first plurality of openings arepositioned on an outboard side of the channel.

In one or more embodiments of the composite running board according toany one of the previous paragraphs, a first plurality of retainingmembers extend toward the opening from the second rail along an outboardside of the downward facing opening.

In one or more embodiments of the composite running board according toany one of the previous paragraphs, the first plurality of retainingmembers are offset from the second plurality of retaining members alongthe length of the second rail.

In one or more embodiments of the composite running board according toany one of the previous paragraphs, the first plurality of upwardlyfacing openings and the second plurality of upwardly facing openings areoffset from each other along the length of the second side rail.

In one or more embodiments of the composite running board according toany one of the previous paragraphs, the first plurality of retainingmembers are at least partially positioned along a leading edge of thecross members and extend outboard therefrom toward the downwardly facingopening.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a compositerunning board includes a first side rail securable to a snowmobile and asecond side rail positioned outboard of the first side rail. The secondside rail includes a plurality of features that are fastenable to asupport member. The composite running board further includes a pluralityof cross members extending from the first side rail to the second siderail. The first side rail, the second side rail, and the cross membersinclude a fiber reinforced polymer.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a compositerunning board includes a first side rail that is securable to asnowmobile and a second side rail positioned outboard of the first siderail, the second side rail at least partially defines retaining membershaped to engage a support. The composite running board further includesa plurality of cross members extending from the first side rail to thesecond side rail. The first side rail, the second side rail, and thecross members include a fiber reinforced polymer.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a compositerunning board includes a first side rail securable to the side of asnowmobile and a second side rail positioned outboard of the first siderail. The second side rail includes an outboard edge that defines achannel extending along a length of the second rail and shaped toreceive a plurality of support members. The composite running boardfurther includes a plurality of cross members extending from the firstside rail to the second side rail.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a snowmobiletunnel assembly includes a tunnel including a center plate and a firstside panel including a first end connected to the center plate and asecond end extending therefrom. The snowmobile tunnel assembly furtherhas a second side panel including a first end connected to the centerplate and a second end extending therefrom. The snowmobile tunnelassembly additionally includes a first support bracket secured to thefirst side panel. The first support bracket has a mounting surfaceextending outboard from the first side panel.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile tunnel assembly accordingto the previous paragraph, the first side panel has a first thicknessand the mounting surface of the first support has a second thicknessthat is greater than the first thickness.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile tunnel assembly accordingto any one of the previous paragraphs, the tunnel includes a firstmaterial and the first support bracket includes a second material thatis different than the first material.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile tunnel assembly accordingto any one of the previous paragraphs, the first support includes afirst vertical member that is secured to an inboard surface of the firstpanel. The mounting surface extends from the vertical member beneath thesecond end of the first panel and outboard therefrom.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile tunnel assembly accordingto any one of the previous paragraphs, the snowmobile tunnel assemblyfurther includes a running board including a first side rail, a secondside rail, and a plurality of cross members extending between the firstrail and the second rail. The running board is secured to the mountingsurface with the first side rail positioned adjacent and parallel to thefirst side panel of the tunnel.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile tunnel assembly accordingto any one of the previous paragraphs, the snowmobile tunnel assemblyfurther includes a running board including a first side rail, a secondside rail, and a plurality of cross member extending between the firstrail and the second rail. The running board is secured to the mountingsurface with the first side rail positioned adjacent to the first sidepanel of the tunnel. A rearward end of the first side rail is positioneda first distance from the first side panel and a forward end of thefirst side rail is positioned at a second distance from the first sidepanel that is greater than the first distance.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile tunnel assembly accordingto any one of the previous paragraphs, the mounting surface has a lengthextending at least partially between a forward end of the tunnel and arearward end of the tunnel. The mounting surface extends outboard fromthe first panel a distance at the forward end that is greater than adistance at the rearward end.

In one or more embodiments of the snowmobile tunnel assembly accordingto any one of the previous paragraphs, the first support includes a rearsuspension mounting point vertically offset from the mounting surface.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a method ofmaking a snowmobile with a common running board is presented. The methodincludes providing a tunnel assembly including a tunnel including acenter plate, a first side panel including a first end connected to thecenter plate and a second end extending therefrom, and a second sidepanel including a first end connected to the center plate and a secondend extending therefrom and securing either a first support bracket or asecond support bracket to the first side panel. The first supportbracket includes a mounting surface with a first dimension and thesecond support bracket includes a mounting surface with a seconddimension that is different than the first dimension. The method furtherincludes securing a common running board including a longitudinalcenterline to the mounting surface of either the first support bracketor the second support bracket. The longitudinal centerline of therunning board is positioned at a first angle with respect to the firstside panel when secured to the first support bracket and is positionedat a second angle with respect to the first side panel when secured tothe second support bracket. The first angle is different than the secondangle.

In one or more embodiments of the method according to the previousparagraph, the method further includes providing a common forward frameassembly including a first side including a tube mounting member and aninner perimeter defining a first opening, a second side positionedadjacent the first side, the second side including a tube mountingmember and an inner perimeter defining a second opening. A rearwardportion of the first side and the second side define a rearward openingtherebetween. The method additionally includes securing the tunnelassembly to the forward frame with a portion of the tunnel assemblypositioned in the rearward opening between the first side and the secondside and securing either a first running board support tube associatedwith the first running board support to the tube mounting member on thefirst side of the forward frame assembly, or a second running boardsupport tube associated with the second support bracket to the tubemounting member on the first side of the forward frame assembly. Thefirst running board support tube has a length that is different than thesecond running board support tube. The method also includes securing asecond side rail of the common running board that is positioned outboardof a first side rail of the common running board to either the firstrunning board support tube or the second running board support tube.

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a method ofassembling two different types of snowmobiles with a common forwardframe is presented. The method includes providing a common forward frameincluding a longitudinal centerline and a running board mounting pointpositioned outboard of the longitudinal centerline, providing a firstrunning board assembly, e.g., a running board assembly of a highperformance snowmobile having a shorter chassis, including a forwardmount, providing a second running board assembly that is different thanthe first running board assembly, e.g., a running board assembly of asnowmobile designed for hills and mountains having a longer chassis, thesecond running board assembly including a forward mount, and securingthe forward mount of either the first running board assembly or thesecond running board assembly to the running board mounting point. Thefirst running board assembly is located at a first position with respectto the longitudinal centerline of the forward frame when secured to therunning board mounting point. The second running board assembly islocated at a second position with respect to the longitudinal centerlineof the forward frame when secured to the running board mounting point.The first position is different than the second position.

In one or more embodiments of the method according to the previousparagraph, the running board mounting point extends outward andforwardly from the forward frame.

In one or more embodiments of the method according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the running board mounting point is positionedbelow an upper surface of a tunnel secured to the forward frame.

In one or more embodiments of the method according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the forward mount of the first running boardassembly extends outward from the centerline of the vehicle farther thanthe forward mount of the second running board assembly.

In one or more embodiments of the method according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the common forward frame includes a control armmounting point and the method further includes providing a firstsuspension assembly including a control arm and a spindle that includesa lower A-arm ball joint, providing a second suspension assembly that isdifferent than the first suspension assembly, the second suspensionassembly including a control arm and a spindle that includes a lowerA-arm ball joint; and securing the control arm of the first suspensionassembly to the control arm mounting point when the first running boardassembly is secured to the forward mount or the second suspensionassembly to the control arm mounting point when the second running boardassembly is secured to the forward mount. The first lower A-arm balljoint is positioned at a different position with respect to the commonframe, e.g., from or along the common front frame, than the second lowerA-arm ball joint when the respective suspension assembly is secured tothe common front frame.

In one or more embodiments of the method according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the forward mount of the first running boardassembly extends outward from the centerline of the vehicle farther thanthe forward mount of the second running board assembly, and the lowerA-arm ball joint of the first suspension assembly extends outward fromthe centerline of the vehicle farther than the lower A-arm ball joint ofthe second suspension assembly.

In one or more embodiments of the method according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the forward mount of the first running boardassembly extends outward from the centerline of the vehicle farther thanthe forward mount of the second running board assembly, and the lowerA-arm ball joint of the first suspension assembly farther forward withrespect to the common frame than the lower A-arm ball joint of thesecond suspension assembly.

In one or more embodiments of the method according to any one of theprevious paragraphs, the forward mount of the first running boardassembly extends outward from the centerline of the vehicle farther thanthe forward mount of the second running board assembly, and the lowerA-arm ball joint of the first suspension assembly is positioned alongthe centerline of the forward frame farther forward from the runningboard mounting point than the lower A-arm ball joint of the secondsuspension assembly.

While the disclosed snowmobile has been described with reference to anexemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in theart that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substitutedfor elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention.In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particularsituation or material to the teachings of the invention withoutdeparting from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intendedthat the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment(s)disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments fallingwithin the scope of the appended claims.

1. A snowmobile comprising: a forward frame assembly; a nose panel attached to the forward frame assembly; a skid plate attached to a first side of the forward frame assembly and a second side of the forward frame assembly; and a secondary skid plate configured to cover at least a portion of the skid plate.
 2. The snowmobile of claim 1, wherein the secondary skid plate comprises: a nose section configured to cover the nose panel; a body section extending rearward from the nose section, the body section configured to cover the forward frame assembly; a first wing positioned outboard of the body section, the first wing configured to cover the skid plate at the first side of the forward frame assembly; and a second wing positioned outboard of the body section, the second wing configured to cover the skid plate at the second side of the forward frame assembly.
 3. The snowmobile of claim 2, wherein the nose section extends upward from the body section to cover at least a portion of a front end of the snowmobile.
 4. The snowmobile of claim 3, wherein the first wing and the second wing extend upward in an outboard direction.
 5. The snowmobile of claim 1, wherein the skid plate includes an opening configured to access an interior component of the snowmobile, and wherein the secondary skid plate includes an opening configured to be aligned with the opening of the skid plate.
 6. The snowmobile of claim 1, wherein the nose panel is positioned forward of where the skid plate is attached to the first side of the forward frame assembly and the second side of the forward frame assembly.
 7. The snowmobile of claim 1, further comprising: a first bottom out protector attached to a rear edge of the skid plate and the forward frame assembly at the first side of the forward frame assembly; and a second bottom out protector attached to a rear edge of the skid plate and the forward frame assembly at the second side of the forward frame assembly.
 8. The snowmobile of claim 7, further comprising: a first track drive protector covering the first bottom out protector; and a second track drive protector covering the second bottom out protector, wherein the first track drive protector and the second track drive protector include a deflection rib.
 9. The snowmobile of claim 8, wherein the secondary skid plate includes one or more ribs configured to be aligned with the deflection rib of the first track drive protector and the deflection rib of the second track protector, wherein the one or more ribs and the deflection rib form a continuous surface.
 10. A skid plate assembly, comprising: a skid plate including: a body section configured to secure to an underbody of a snowmobile, a first wing positioned outboard of the body section, a second wing positioned outboard of the body section, and a first rib projection; and a track drive protector including a second rib projection, wherein the first rib projection and the second rib projection define a continuous rib extending between the skid plate and the track drive protector.
 11. The skid plate assembly of claim 10, wherein the track drive protector is removably securable to the skid plate.
 12. The skid plate assembly of claim 10, further comprising: a bottom out protector positionable along the underbody of the snowmobile to house a snowmobile component therein, wherein the bottom out protector is positioned between the snowmobile and the track drive protector.
 13. The skid plate assembly of claim 12, wherein the bottom out protector includes a bottom wall and the track drive protector include a bottom surface, wherein at least a portion of the bottom wall and the bottom surface are positioned apart from each other to define a gap therebetween.
 14. The skid plate assembly of claim 13, wherein a rear portion of the bottom wall of the bottom out protector abuts a rear portion of the bottom surface of the track drive protector.
 15. The skid plate assembly of claim 10, wherein the skid plate includes an opening configured to access an interior component of the snowmobile.
 16. The skid plate assembly of claim 10, wherein the skid plate includes: a nose section extending forward and upward from the body section to cover a front end of the snowmobile, wherein the first wing and the second wing extend upward from the body section, and wherein the nose section extends upwards to a greater height than the first wing and the second wing.
 17. A method of assembling two different snowmobile models with a common skid plate, the method comprising: providing the common skid plate, the common skid plate including: a first set out mounting features configured to secure a first pair of bottom out protectors, and a second set of mounting features configured to secure a second pair of bottom out protectors; and securing the first pair of bottom out protectors or the second pair of bottom out protectors to the common skid plate.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising: providing a secondary skid plate including a body section configured to cover a forward frame assembly, the secondary skid plate configured to cover the common skid plate; and securing the secondary skid plate over the common skid plate, wherein the body section includes a plurality of mounting features configured to removably secure to the forward frame assembly.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising: providing a common set of track drive protectors, the common set of track drive protectors configured to cover the first pair of bottom out protectors and the second pair of bottom out protectors; and securing the common set of track drive protectors over the first pair of bottom out protectors or the second pair of bottom out protectors.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein a gap is defined between the common set of track drive protectors and the first pair of bottom out protectors or the second pair of bottom out protectors.
 21. A snowmobile, comprising: a skid plate; a bottom out protector; a running board assembly, including a rear kick-up and a bracket; a toe stop; and a heat exchanger assembly, wherein one or more of the skid plate, the bottom out protector, the running board assembly, the toe stop, and/or the heat exchanger assembly includes a fiber reinforced polymer material. 